‘A series win over India would be very special’: Ireland captain Lorcan Tucker warns after historic Belfast win cricket news
New Delhi: Captain of Ireland lorcan tucker After guiding his team to a historic first win over India in men’s international cricket he has set his sights on an even bigger prize, declaring that securing a series win over the reigning T20 world champions would be “very special”.“Fresh from Ireland’s impressive 34-run win in the opening T20I in Belfast on Friday, Tucker was careful not to get carried away, but he admitted the chance to clinch a famous series win on home soil had already fired up the dressing room.After the match, Tucker said, “Absolutely, yes. It would be very special to win the series against India at home.” “I think the boys are absolutely looking forward to getting back here. The energy today was fantastic, the crowd was fantastic, very special.”
‘We won and stayed in the game’
Tucker described the win as one of the finest moments in Irish cricket, especially considering it came against the two-time defending T20 World Cup champions.“It was very special. It’s a credit to the boys,” he said. “We got through that game. It had some tough times for us, but we stuck in it. We were diligent, we played hard and we were lucky to get the reward at the end.”Also read: The curse of the world champion struck once again as India suffered a historic blow from Ireland.Ireland looked to be in trouble at 36 for 3 after India’s fast bowlers took full advantage of the conditions, before Tucker took the innings forward with 50 off 36 balls.Reflecting on his crucial partnership with Gareth Delany, who scored 49, Tucker praised India’s disciplined bowling before highlighting how Ireland patiently rebuilt.“India bowled really well early on. They stuck to their length and didn’t really waver. At times it felt like it was a Test match. But we tried to stay in the game, build partnerships and then take the opportunities when we got them.”
Debutant earns captain’s praise
Tucker also gave special praise to debutants Jai Mundhra and Matt Hollard, whose combined five-wicket haul decimated India’s batting line-up.“I think we learned a lot from the way India bowled. We asked the players to stick to that length as well and they showed their skill, accuracy and ability to execute the plans. Full credit to them.”He said this result reflects years of hard work behind the scenes.“To beat the world champions at home is very special. Both debutants were excellent, but credit also goes to everyone behind the scenes at Cricket Ireland. Everyone works very hard, and getting results like this is why we do it.”India, led by new captain Shreyas Iyer, were bowled out for 148 after Ireland made 182 for 9, leaving Tucker and his team just one win away from a historic series win over one of world cricket’s biggest powers.