Adrian BirrellBorn: 8 December 1960
Occupation: Cricket Coach
Club: United Cricket Club, Port Elizabeth
Previous Clubs: University of Port Elizabeth
Secondary School: St Andrew's College, Grahamstown
Representative Honours: Eastern Province
Highest Score: 105 vs Western Province at Newlands

Cricketing Career

Birrell in bowling actionWho had the greatest influence on your career?
My Dad

What is your ultimate cricketing aspiration?
To coach the Irish team at the World Cup.

What is your most memorable cricketing moment?
Making 100 at Newlands; winning ICC Intercontinental Cup; getting into the World Cup.

What was your worst cricketing moment?
Losing the Standard Bank Limited Overs Final.

What is your funniest cricketing moment?
Jeremy Bray getting run out against Glamorgan this year.

Irish Cricket

Who is your favourite Irish cricketer (past and present), and why?
Roy Torrens. He bowled 1000's of overs uphill into the wind!

Which is your favourite Irish cricket ground, and why?
Donemana - unique in the world of cricket.

Who is the best young Irish cricketer you have seen in recent times?
Eoin Morgan. He dominated all age groups and now is starting to dominate the seniors.

What do you think of overseas professionals in Irish club cricket?
Good, providing they coach.

Do you think bowlers should be restricted in domestic cricket?
Yes

How would you set about improving the standard of Irish cricket?
Play inter-regionals and A matches.

How would you set about making Irish cricket more popular?
More coloured clothing leagues.

International Cricket

Which Test team, if any, do you support, and why?
South Africa, for obvious reasons.

Which overseas countries have you played cricket in?
England & South Africa

Which was your favourite, and why?
South Africa for hard fast wickets

Who is your favourite world cricketer, and why?
Shane Warne - he changed the game and made leg-sinners popular.

Who is your favourite English cricketer, and why?
Monty Panesar - colourful character.

Your Interests

Birrell with assistant Matt DwyerWhich other sports do you play regularly?
Golf

What are your hobbies?
Bird Watching and wildlife

Who is your favourite musical artist?
Diana Krall

Who is your favourite author?
Wilbur Smith

Which is your favourite film?
The Gods Must Be Crazy.

What is your favourite newspaper?
Eastern Province Herald

What is your favourite television programme?
Sky Sports, National Geographic and Animal Planet

What is your favourite web site? South African Cricket and Ernie Els

What is your favourite type of food? Braai

Where is your favourite place to go on holiday? Eastern Cape