ICC T20 WORLD CUP 2022

October 17, 2022

Max O'Dowd

Kardinia Park

Netherlands

Pre Match Media Conference

Q. What are your thoughts going into the next match against Namibia after seeing their performance especially?

MAX O'DOWD: Just to do what we do. I think, obviously, we played Namibia before, and we know the strengths they have, and we've got our strengths.

For us it's to go out there and play our game. I think that's the most important part. Not worry too much about the outside noise and just focus on what we can do.

Q. You had a close one yesterday. Do you take it positively, or how is the team taking it?

MAX O'DOWD: Yeah, it was a tight one. It was a bit of a relief. I think after the start we had, I guess we thought it might be over a little bit quicker. To the fair to the UAE, they bowled extremely well in those positions, and they put us under a lot of pressure.

Yeah, just thankful in the end to get over the line. I think we had a good discussion this morning with the batters about plans going forward and how we're going to combat the Namibian attack.

Like I said before, I think we just go into tomorrow's game with the right intent and go out there and play our game.

Q. What are your deepest thoughts about the positions in the group right now?

MAX O'DOWD: It's opened up a bit now, I think. It's probably not what everyone expected, which is exciting. I know personally Namibia's strength and what they can do.

It may seem like a surprise to many people in the cricketing world, but for us fellow associates, I guess it's not that unfamiliar.

It's exciting, and it's going to be tough. We knew it was going to be tough coming into this group, so we're really looking forward to the next two games.

Q. Looking back at the preparations and the post-match, what do you think are your strengths going forward in this tournament?

MAX O'DOWD: I think we've had great preparation, first and foremost. It's been awesome. We've been five weeks leading up to this event. We've had a lot of practice, a lot of match-game scenarios, all that kind of stuff.

I think if you look at our team, we've got a lot of experience in the middle order, guys who have performed at all levels, and then you look at our bowling attack. We have quality spinners and some real good fast bowlers who can swing the ball, hit the deck, change the pace, all that kind of stuff.

I think our strength is everywhere on our team, to be honest. I'm just hoping we can gel together and put on some good performances.

Q. A question which you have been asked often, but how important is it a moment like this for associate teams?

MAX O'DOWD: It's extremely important. I think, obviously, it's not an opportunity we get that often, and for us it's just an opportunity to showcase the talent that's in Associate cricket.

I think often our performances get played down, and they really only get highlighted when we're on the big stage like this, but there is a lot of tireless efforts going into cricket and Associate nations behind the scenes constantly.

So it's just an opportunity for guys to showcase their talents and prove how good they are to the world.

Q. How challenging is the Sri Lanka match for the Netherlands?

MAX O'DOWD: It's going to be extremely challenging. Obviously, we played them in the last World Cup, and you saw what they did to us.

They're an extremely professional side, very strong team. Just came off an Asia Cup victory. We know it's going to be extremely tough.

We're excited for the challenge for sure. Some of the best players in the world play for their team. So we just can't wait to get out there and hopefully play our best brand of cricket.

And hopefully that's enough to turn them over, but we'll see. We'll wait and see.

Q. What challenging players in Sri Lankas -- (indisernible)

MAX O'DOWD: There's plenty of players. Hasaranga, Teekshana. Both of those guys are some of the best bowlers in the world. And guys who on a wicket like what we've seen so far will be very challenging on big outfields.

I think those are probably the two guys that we -- well, myself, would focus the most on. Like I said, there's quality across that whole side.

I'm sure we'll click come the rest of this tournament.