Radley hails ex-YC O'Brien

Date released: 2 March 2011

O'Brien receives his Man of the Match award against England Kevin O’Brien’s former coach at MCC Clive Radley has hailed the Irish batsman as the hardest hitter of the ball he saw after his century against England.

Ex-MCC Young Cricketer (YC) O’Brien sensationally broke the World Cup record for the fastest century when his 50-ball ton helped Ireland shock England in Bangalore.

His innings of 113 from 63 balls included 13 fours and six sixes - the largest of which travelled 102 metres, making it the biggest of the tournament so far.

• Rapid O'Brien ton shocks England

Radley, who coached O’Brien when he spent two years as a YC in 2004 and 2005, ranked him as the hardest hitting batsman he coached in his two decades with MCC.

"Kevin was always capable of hitting a long ball, but he’s also got the deft shots in his armoury as well." said Radley.

"He was a great lad to work with as well - very level-headed with a lot of natural ability.

"In the twenty years I was MCC Head Coach, Kevin and Ross Taylor of New Zealand stand out as the hardest hitters of a ball I ever saw."

Irish gem

Since graduating from MCC in 2005, O’Brien has become one of the key cogs in Ireland’s rise to the top of the Associate ladder.

The 26-year-old made his debut against England at Belfast in 2006 as an all-rounder, taking 1-47 in ten overs and making 35.

O'Brien celebrates his remarkable century His batting quickly became established as his stronger suit though, particularly following a 125-ball 142 against Kenya in his fifth ODI.

He was a part of the side who sensationally knocked Pakistan out of the World Cup a year later and was unbeaten on 16 when the winning runs were hit.

In 2009 he played a significant part in another giant-killing effort from Ireland when they beat Bangladesh at Trent Bridge in the ICC World Twenty20. O’Brien was once again at the crease to see the victory through, finishing with a 17-ball 39.

Perfect innings

Current MCC Coach Mark Alleyne described O’Brien’s latest match winning effort as the ‘near perfect one day innings.’

Alleyne added: "It was audacious but not gung-ho.

"He had to take his chance when he did and it was impressive to see him bring the run-rate down, celebrate his century and then calmly continue to chip away at the target.

"It was fantastic to watch and everyone at MCC is delighted for him - it’s great to see one of our former YCs producing the goods on the biggest stage of them all."