Photo Credit: Sportsfile
The Ireland Men’s senior squad have today completed a training camp as part of preparations for the upcoming series against Zimbabwe at Millfield School in Somerset, and uncapped left-arm spinning all-rounder Graham Kennedy has been discussing the week and his last month being part of the senior men’s set-up.
Kennedy, 21, was called up into the Ireland Men’s squad for the South Africa series, but while he did not play, he believes the series was a great learning experience and has motivated him even further to push for his international debut.
Speaking from Millfield School, he said:
“I’ve definitely enjoyed being around the squad, it’s a really good opportunity for me to see how everyone goes about their training and try and learn as much as I can – especially from the spinners, so that I can take my game forward.”
“It hasn’t been too surprising about the professionalism of the players just from knowing most of the guys from Inter-Pros and having played with and against a lot of them quite regularly, but it has been great that everyone has been so willing and open to give me tips on my bowling and batting. The last month, particularly this last week, has also been great in getting to work with some of the best coaches in Ireland, which is definitely a big bonus.”
“As for Millfield School, the facilities have been top class we’ve been training out in the main square and playing on some great wickets. Having the option of using the indoor nets for anything extra that you need and getting everything in check has also been welcome.”
“It’s been a very worthwhile training camp, everyone has been working hard and getting a lot of specifics done to get themselves ready for the Zimbabwe series and the World Cup. It’s been great training as a squad again and getting to push ourselves to perform at our best.”
The training squad
Andrew Balbirnie, Kevin O’Brien, Harry Tector, George Dockrell, Lorcan Tucker, Simi Singh, Barry McCarthy, Curtis Campher, Josh Little, Neil Rock, William Porterfield, William McClintock, Graham Hume, Ben White, Andy McBrine, Shane Getkate, Craig Young, Graham Kennedy, Mark Adair, Tom Mayes.
Cricket Ireland, officially known as The Irish Cricket Union Company Limited by Guarantee, is the governing body for cricket on the island of Ireland. It oversees the national men’s and women’s teams and organizes the Inter-Provincial Series, Super 3s, and All-Ireland club competitions. Ireland achieved Test status for women in 2000 and for men in 2017 when it became a Full Member of the ICC.
