Balbirnie out to build on Ireland's perfect start

Ireland young gun Andrew Balbirnie said he revelled in the team's remarkable win over the West Indies, but insists they must now focus on the task ahead against the UAE next Wednesday.

"It was the perfect way to start," the 24-year-old told RTÉ Sport's John Kenny in a rain-soaked Brisbane, where the Irish squad trained indoors ahead of Wednesday's game at the Gabba in Brisbane (3.30am Irish time).

Saturday's game between Australia and Bangladesh is under threat because of the weather and a decision on it going ahead will be made in the morning (Friday night in Ireland).

Ireland have no injury problems to report following the win over the Windies, and, reflecting on Ireland's four-wicket victory last Monday, Balbirnie said: "To be part of a World Cup is something special, and to start like we did on Monday was just a great way to get our campaign under way."

The Middlesex star said he had been disappointed to only get nine runs in the West Indies game, but that in general he was pleased with the impressive form that helped him secure a place in the Ireland squad.

The batsman/back-up wicketkeeper also noted the benefits of working with Ireland's World Cup veterans, and said he was learning from being in a buoyant camp.

"I've done a few things with my game over the winter that have really helped me and I'm in a good place with my batting at the moment. So that's helping.

"We don't want to get carried away. It's a good win, but it's only one win.It's a big group and it's a long tournament."

"But I was happy enough to watch the four guys go about their business on Monday, and let them basically take us home. You know, they're four of the best players our country has probably ever produced. It's great to be amongst them every week and every day in training.

"I'm learning off them every day. I'd be very close with Niall [O'Brien], and Kevin [O'Brien], and Ed [Joyce] and Paul Stirling, and those sort of guys. I just learn a lot off them and talk to them as much as I can about their games."

Balbirnie also spoke about the atmosphere of quiet confidence in the Irish camp at present.

"It was a bit surreal the other day, we had just beaten the West Indies, and there was a sense of achievement but at the same time, the start of something special, hopefully.

"And I think it's very much stemming throughout the squad: we all believe that we can win every game we play."

Next up for Balbirnie and Ireland is the game against the UAE, who gave Zimbabwe a tough test this week.

He said it was important that Ireland put the victory against the West Indies behind them and concentrate on the next stage in their World Cup journey.

"We don't want to get carried away. It's a good win, but it's only one win.It's a big group and it's a long tournament. So you could win this game , and it could be the only one you win. So we want to make sure that we put that right on Wednesday, and we get a second win."

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