Luck of the Irish - Brett Lee Becomes Bowling Coach Ahead of World Cup

The luck of the Irish hey… Securing the assistance one of the fastest and most fierce bowlers to have ever played Cricket, just in time for the sport’s showpiece event. After retiring from all forms of the game last month, Ex Australian paceman Brett Lee has taken up a temporary role as Bowling Coach with Ireland and is now tweaking their attack on the verge of the World Cup. The swift move from player to coach will surely benefit Ireland’s bowlers ahead of their opening match against West Indies on February 16.

Lee Leading the Irish Attack

Joining the list of Ex- Australian players to help out developing cricketing nations; Lee is more than happy to pass on his wealth of knowledge as Ireland warm up for the World Cup. The 38 year old who says he learnt plenty from the likes of Courtney Walsh and Allan Donald when he was an up and comer, is excited to share advice with today’s less experienced players. So just what tips has the man that took almost 700 wickets in One Day International and test cricket, been giving to the Irish bowlers?

“I just try to keep things simple and give them some advice on what to work on. “It’s more making sure you have a clear plan and then executing those plans.”

Bowlers’ Belief Builds Ahead of the World Cup

Ireland’s bowlers believe they’ve benefited already after limited time with Lee but know putting into practice what they’ve worked on in the nets is much more difficult out in the middle. It doesn’t get much tougher than facing off against West Indian Wonder Chris Gayle but that’s the task opening bowler Craig Young will tackle in his side’s first game. Slightly scared? Yes! But Young was philosophical about the challenge.

“A lot of people would kill for the chance to play with him rather than bowl against him, but this is what World Cups are all about.”

Other Bowlers in Ireland’s squad include right arm medium pacer Max Sorensen, all-rounders Kevin O’Brien and Alex Cusack and spinner George Dockerell.

Ireland Expect Difficult Pool

Ireland have been drawn in Pool B at the World Cup alongside the defending champions India, West Indies, Pakistan, South Africa, Zimbabwe and UAE. They’ll be favourites against the latter in their second match of the tournament while the Men in Green will believe they can also beat Zimbabwe. Their remaining matches will be extremely difficult but with a bit of luck who knows… After all this is the nation that famously broke two records in upsetting England at the 2011 World Cup. Kevin O’Brien’s ton off just 50 balls was the fastest century in ICC Cricket World Cup history while the Irish also recorded the highest successful chase in the competition’s history by reaching England’s 327. Can they produce a similar shock in 2015?