By Sirshendu Panth, IANS,
Kolkata : There is one South Africa-born cricketer who is not going to wish luck to Graeme Smith’s side as they play Ireland in a World Cup Group B game here Tuesday. All-rounder Andre Botha, who made Ireland his adopted home years back, has decided to give “everything” to the Eden Gardens match without being cowed down by pressure.
The 35-year-old Botha, who played provincial cricket for Griqualand West in his native South Africa before switching over to his new European home, feels Ireland’s must-win situation in the remaining two group matches has opened a window for the team to play with “a bit more freedom like we used to”.
A consistent part of the Irish team since 2001, Botha has turned out in 41 One-day Internationals with a batting average of 20.18 and has taken 41 wickets.
For Botha, playing South Africa is special not because it was once his home, but because of their awesome reputation as a cricketing nation.
“I have played them a couple of times since I moved over. But anytime you play against South Africa it is special, not just because it was once your home, but because they are one of the best teams in the world at the moment,” said the left hand batsman and right arm medium pacer.
“And probably they are one of the favourites in the tournament as well. So, to play them, obviously, everytime you walk out against them can be very special,” he said during a chat with journalists Sunday.
Botha is all charged up to play at the majestic Eden. “I want to see the real thing, I can’t wait,” he said.
While the victory against England has been the high noon of the Irish campaign in the World Cup so far, the disappointment comes from time and again losing way after setting themselves up well.
“Ya, its not just the West Indies game. We kind of put ourselves in good position to win in all the games…and obviously West Indies was the last one. So we are a bit disappointed but basically we have got two games now.
“We have to win two games now to get ourselves a chance to get into the next round. So obviously, the boys are upright. Everybody is back where they should be. 110 percent committed to the cause of the next game,” he said.
“Now we have to win and we might just play with a bit more freedom like we used to. I think winning for us basically means we can probably go out with a bit of freedom and give it everything we have got without the extra pressure behind it,” he said.
Botha says the gruelling travelling schedule in the tournament has made it tough for the boys, but is confident that they can adjust during the next two games at the Eden Gardens.
“It is going to be tough for us. We really haven’t had to much time to acclimatise. We have only been here this morning. We have a long practice session tomorrow. And then straight into the game.
“But we have done such tours before. We have done in West Indies. We have done it on different trips. You have to compromise, that’s it,” he adds.