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Waller goes Down Under to keep Irish dream alive

Zimbabwe Cricket Forum 4 posts 26 views

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Opening post

http://www.cricketeurope4.net/DATABASE/ ... 4972.shtml


Lisburn and Northern Knights star Nathan Waller has gone to the Darren Lehmann Cricket Academy to pursue his dream of representing Ireland.

The 21 year-old Zimbabwean holds an Irish passport by virtue of his Irish grand-parents, and becomes eligible for his adopted country in January - four years after playing for the country of his birth in the U19 World Cup in New Zealand in 2010.

All-rounder Waller arrived in South Australia this month to improve his game at the Darren Lehmann Cricket Academy and also play for Glandore-based Buffalos in Adelaide Grade cricket.

Speaking to the Adelaide Messenger, Waller said: "There were a few political issues in Zimbabwe that led to me looking for a more stable place to play cricket."

"They were offering weekly instalments that was pretty much (the cost of) a bus fare or a $1 here or there to get to training.

"It was quite ridiculous. There is not as much talent in Ireland but their setup and environment are a lot better than Zimbabwe."

Waller had a modest campaign at Lisburn in 2013, where he played alongside fellow countryman Craig Ervine. He also had a trial with Derbyshire, playing in the 2nd XI County Championships.

"I think most of the players in Zimbabwe would do exactly what I've done if they've had a route like I do. "(Playing for Ireland) will give me a lot of exposure on the international circuit.

"But it will be weird playing for them. I'll always see myself as a Zimbabwean."


Going by the forums, the Irish certainly are not pleased with this cockiness.
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Another one bites the dust

sloandog wrote:Another one bites the dust


With that attitude, I certainly don't see him playing soon. His performances in the Inter-pros were awful.

And Phil Simmons picks only those players who show a commitment to play for for Ireland, and not treat it as a club to showcase their talents on the international stage. Look at how he treated Tim Murtagh. Despite being one of the leading performers in the County Champioship, Murtagh wasn't immediately drafted into the squad. He had to attend several sessions and acted as the water-boy for the Irish in the last World T20 Qualifiers and World T20.

Anyway, I can easily see at least 6-7 bowlers ahead of Waller in the pecking order at this time for the Irish. So, most probably, he might eventually settle for representing Zim.
Legend

samedwards wrote:Anyway, I can easily see at least 6-7 bowlers ahead of Waller in the pecking order at this time for the Irish. So, most probably, he might eventually settle for representing Zim.


As a 'pace' bowler he is probably no. 15-20 in Zim's pecking order right now. Last time I've seen him he bowled more or less at Meth's pace, but without any movement. His batting can be handy, so he needs to put his foot forward more as a batsman if he wants to attract interest from any international or County side.

Comments like those quoted show that he is far from the finished object in every possible way. How utterly naive and/or stupid to say such a thing ... :roll:

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