O'Brien smashed 113 off 63 balls in Ireland's win over England Gloucestershire have signed Kevin O'Brien, the hero of Ireland's World Cup win over England, for the summer. The 27-year-old will strengthen his new county's batting with both Chris Dent and Hamish Marshall currently injured. "We are delighted to have signed Kevin O'Brien to our squad with particular reference to his one-day skills," said Gloucestershire coach John Bracewell. O'Brien has also agreed a deal to play in the Sri Lankan T20 tournament later in the summer. "Given his heroics in the World Cup the Gladiators have a genuine lion slayer in their midst," added Bracewell. O'Brien was awarded a full-time contract by Cricket Ireland in 2010 and has played 58 one-day internationals with a batting average of 34.86 and a highest score of 142, while also taking 47 wickets. I am very excited to work under one of the most successful coaches in domestic one-day history

Kevin O'Brien He has played in 18 first class games with an average of 32.3 and a top score of 171 not out, but it is the limited overs forms of the game he is most looking forward to: "I am very excited to have the opportunity to play for Gloucestershire, and work under one of the most successful coaches in domestic one-day history," O'Brien said. "I am looking forward to hopefully helping the team to achieve its goals in all forms of the game, but especially t20 and one-day cricket." Former Nottinghamshire batsman O'Brien could make his debut against Glamorgan on Sunday, 15 May. On his deal to play in the Sri Lankan competition, O'Brien said: "I'm still not 100% who I'll be playing for in Sri Lanka, although I have been told that Sanath Jayasuria will be the team's captain and that Darren Bravo and lonwabo Tsotosbe will also be on the team. "The opportunity actually came through Phil Simmons, who forwarded me an e-mail a while back, and subsequently Somerset Entertainment Ventures (SEV) approached me. "It's going to be a magnificent experience, and hopefully I'll acquit myself well in what's sure to be a terrific tournament." O'Brien made worldwide headlines in March as he pulled off the quickest century in World Cup history, in 50 balls, as Ireland beat England in Bangalore.



Bookmark with: Delicious

Digg

reddit

Facebook

StumbleUpon What are these? E-mail this to a friend Printable version