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PRETORIA, South Africa – Following a hard-fought first day’s play which saw the visiting Ireland Wolves side level the five-match T20 series against Namibia at 1-1, all-rounder Tyrone Kane was speaking at training today about the tour and his hopes for the coming season – however, he knows the hard work starts now.
Kane, 25, made his international debut for Ireland in 2015 and has since appeared 10 times for the men in green – including a coveted place in the starting eleven for Ireland Men’s historic first Test match at Malahide in 2018.

Speaking from the training ground today, he said:

“I don’t think I’ll ever be able to forget that day when I walked out a Test debutant at Malahide – or the preceding week with the build-up. It is, to this day, one of my fondest memories I have playing for Ireland. Being down the other end when Kev [O’Brien] placed one through the covers to get to his – and Ireland’s – first Test hundred will stay with me for the rest of my life.”

“I think most sportsmen concentrate on what’s ahead rather than what has passed – and I’m no different. On occasion, you still look back on specific clips when things were going well to see what looks different or try to take the good stuff back into your game, but mostly I’m one who looks ahead to the next challenge.”

“This winter has been a bit different for me. In winters past I’ve headed abroad to play, but this time I felt it was best to work on a few things in training and to work on both strength and conditioning. I’ve spent the last few months mainly training at North County and Sport Ireland Institute.”

Image: Tyrone bowling on his Test debut

Kane played in both T20 matches yesterday, with returns of 2-23 and 2-22 with the ball, and he was pleased with the first day’s play:

“The facilities and the match wicket were fantastic. There wasn’t much in for the bowlers but it was brilliant to tie the series up with a win in the second game.”

Kane himself has undergone a transformation in his game over recent years:

“My game has certainly evolved, and I would like to see myself as a genuine all-rounder. My batting was above my bowling at under-age level. Averaging close to 50 in an Under-19s World Cup gave me great confidence with the bat. But since then my bowling has probably taken over due to the fact that the Leinster Lightning batting line up is so strong, packed full of internationals and I’ve been given more opportunity with the ball.”

“It’s nice to contribute for the Lightning and the Wolves when given the chance, nonetheless, I still practice just as hard on both assets of my play and hopefully over time I can keep putting some scores on the board and get up the order.”

Image: Tyrone bowling for Leinster Lightning, 2019

Kane’s caps have included one Test, seven T20 Internationals – what are his ambitions looking forward?

“I definitely have ambitions in all formats of the game. I’ve been lucky enough to be capped at T20 and Test level – hopefully the ODI cap isn’t too far away. I’ve been close, but with consistent performances in the Inter-Provincial Series and for the Wolves, I’d like to think the breakthrough isn’t too far away.”

“In terms of the domestic side, I’ve been involved in the Inter-Pros since its reintroduction in 2013. Year-on-year the competition seems to be growing, and with every international now plying their trade at home that can only lead to better viewing for the fans – as well as greater competition for all the players.”

“The competition gives the younger guys a great chance to learn from the more experienced players who’ve previously been overseas. I’m probably at little biased, but hopefully the Lightning can remain on top of the pile in all competitions.”

Ireland Wolves will play five T20 and two 50-over matches against Namibia, followed by a 50-over match against the Northern Titans Invitation XI.

Craig Easdown
Tyrone Kane in action against Zimbabwe in 2019
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