(Cricket news) Ireland all-rounder Shane Getkate has been playing at the International for over 2 years, even though there were ups-and-downs he is as keen as ever to succeed at the highest level and has a number of goals for this year. Getkate, 30, is familiar with the Oman Cricket Academy having made his international debut at the venue almost two years to the day. From there on he has featured in 28 T20 Internationals and four one-day internationals for Ireland, nothing has been as memorable as the day of his debut:
“Oman is a very special place for me – it’s where I made my international debut. Paul Stirling was captain at the time in Gary Wilson’s absence. To receive my cap from Paul, a player who has played for Ireland for so long and been so successful, was a special moment. I’ve played with Paul since I was 11 – right through from underage cricket, so that day was surreal, a ‘pinch yourself’ moment.
“It was a reward for all the hard work put in over the years, and to live your dream and play for Ireland – it’s a privilege. It probably didn’t sink in fully until I went back to the hotel that evening, but we beat Oman that day, so it was probably the perfect start.”
“I have loved every minute playing for Ireland and the experience international cricket gives you as a player. Winning a game for Ireland and singing Ireland’s Call afterwards, there’s no better feeling. There are plenty of ups and downs in international cricket, but I suppose that forces you to stay grounded and continue to try to get better on and off the pitch each and every day.”
Ireland’s T20 form has fluctuated over recent years, what has the squad been focussing on heading into this tour?
“Our T20 form has been up and down over the last few years for sure. Namibia was a tough defeat to take and it hurt us a lot as a group. But as a squad it has motivated us to push even harder in training and try to execute our all-round skills that are a bit better. T20 cricket can change within an over, so being clear in our plans and backing ourselves in each situation will be key to a more positive year in terms of performances as a group.”
Did the West Indies series win provide confidence within the squad going into this tour?
“Absolutely. The lads played superbly in Jamaica and to win 2-1 against a dangerous side like West Indies will give us great confidence moving forward towards the Qualifier. We know what we are capable of in T20 cricket and, hopefully, this year we can learn from our mistakes last year and put them right in this tournament.”
Personally-speaking, is Getkate a goal-setter?
“I like to set goals each year to keep myself motivated and try to push myself as much as possible. It would be great to contribute to win a few games for Ireland this year especially in T20.
Whilst the ODI guys are performing well, it would be nice to break into that team at some point this year through scoring runs and taking wickets at Ireland Wolves or inter-provincial level.”
The ICC Men’s T20 World Cup Qualifier
The ICC Men’s T20 World Cup Qualifier A will take place from 18 to 24 February 2022. The top two teams from this Qualifier event progress to the ICC T20 World Cup in Australia later this year.
The fixtures for Ireland in the Qualifier Group Stage are:
18 February: Ireland Men v UAE Men (2pm, local time or 10am GMT; Academy Oval 1)
19 February: Ireland Men v Bahrain Men (2pm, local time or 10am GMT; Academy Oval 2)
21 February: Ireland Men v Germany Men (10am, local time or 6am GMT; Academy Oval 1)
Top two teams from each Group progress to a semi-final, with the two winners of the semi’s qualifying for the T20 World Cup.
Ireland Men’s T20 squad consists of 14-players, with two additional travelling reserves as part of the tournament’s COVID protocols.
Ireland Men’s squad:
Andrew Balbirnie (c), Mark Adair, Curtis Campher, Gareth Delany, George Dockrell, Shane Getkate, Josh Little, Andy McBrine, Barry McCarthy, Simi Singh, Paul Stirling, Harry Tector, Lorcan Tucker, Craig Young.
Travelling reserves: Neil Rock, Ben White.
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