With Kyle 'Legend' McCallan retiring, Cover Point profiles and interviews his heir apparent, Andy Balbirnie.
Though the successful captain of Ireland's Under 19 squad, Balbirnie, who will be 19 later this month, will be all too aware that the transition to senior status will be a challenging one and that he faces stiff competition for a place in the senior squad from players such as Leinster's captain Anton Scholtz.
Balbirnie celebrates his century against Afghanistan in the WCQ in September
Name: Andrew Balbirnie
Date of Birth: 28th December 1990
Birthplace: Dublin
Club: Pembroke CC
Specialism: All-rounder
Bowls: Off-spin
Bats: Right-hand
Andy Balbirnie had a highly successful 2009.
In July he led Ireland Under 19s to victory in the European Championship in Jersey. It was a hugely successful tournament for Balbirnie personally. He scored two of the top ten highest scores in the tournament - 83 against Guernsey and 64* against Denmark.
He scored, in all, 220 runs (the 3rd highest aggregate) at an average of 73.33, the 3rd highest average. (Alexei Kervezee of Worcestershire and The Netherlands topped both lists).
With the ball, Balbirnie was the 4th highest wicket-taker taking 8 wickets in all with a best of 3-15 against Jersey.
In September, at the World Cup Qualifier in Toronto, Balbirnie amassed 294 runs at an average of 36.75 and with a scoring rate of 65.92. His top score was 102 against the up and coming Afghans, a match in which he also had his best bowling figures of 3-45. The performance won him the Man of the Match award.
Balbirnie also scored 70 against Hong Kong, took 6 wickets in the tournament and took more catches (4) than any other Irish fielder.
In Leinster Senior cricket in 2009 in 14 matches Balbirnie scored 362 runs at an average of 30.17 with a highest score of 111. He also took 16 wickets with a best of 4-39 and also held 5 catches.
Pembroke also reached the semi-final of the 2009 Irish Cup but lost to Donemana at the Holm.
In January 2010 Balbirnie captains Ireland in the Under 10 World Cup in New Zealand.
Balbirnie receives his MoM award against Afghanistan in the WCQ from Tournament Director, David Thornley
CP: How was 2009 for you?
AB: 2009 was a very good year for me to successfully lead the U19s to the World Cup was a huge honour, and to reach an All Ireland semi-final with Pembroke was very satisfying.
CP: And the WCQ in Canada?
AB: Canada went very well for me. I managed to score runs in important matches that contributed to a successful tournament.
CP: Highlight of cricket career to date?
AB: The U19 World Cup in Malaysia in 2008. Playing at Lord's is a very close second.
CP: Worst moment of your cricket career to date?
AB: Getting a duck at Lord's!
CP: What are your goals for 2010?
AB: To get a cap for Ireland and to lead the U19s to a successful World Cup in January.
CP: What are your long-term goals?
AB:To become a regular in the national side and to play professionally in England.
CP: Biggest Influence on your career?
AB: My Dad.
CP: Favourite cricketer and why?
AB: Sachin Tendulkar because he has dominated in all forms of cricket for so long, and is a great ambassador for the game.
CP: Outside of cricket what else are you passionate about?
AB: Rugby.
CP: What is the best thing about being captain of Ireland U19s?
AB: the best thing is knowing that I have such a strong squad and captaining them is an absolute privilege.
CP: And the worst thing?
AB: The worst thing is the look I get from them after losing the toss!
Andy Balbirnie in conversation with Liam Rooney
Copyright: Cover Point
