Peers gets Davis Cup call up ahead of Dubai semifinal
Nathan Coulter-Nile had huge responsibility to fulfil when he chose his IPL team, Mumbai Indians, over his local team, Perth Scorchers, during the 2013 CLT20. The young Australian pacer was to play a lead role in the absence of Sri Lankan fast bowler Lasith Malinga.
And Coulter-Nile didn’t disappoint. Although he picked up only six wickets in five matches, the fast bowler showed good control in his bowling, giving away runs at a decent 6.37 per over. He was so impressive that the MI management chose him to lead the pace attack in the title clash over the more experienced Mitchell Johnson.
After winning his second trophy with MI in his first year with the franchise, Coulter-Nile spoke about bowling in such quick-paced tournaments and how the experience will help him in the forthcoming ODI series in India, of which he is part.
Q: This is your first season with MI and you have two trophies already!
A: Yes, cricket is easy, isn’t it? But we have an unbelievable team both skill and character-wise. And we have played some hard cricket.
Q: As a bowler what do you take away from this tournament?
A: It’s a quick tournament and so you need to get on with it right away. As a bowler there’s not much hiding space in T20 cricket anyway and you need to be on your toes all the time.
Q: Do you feel like you have a head start going into the India-Australia ODI series?
A: It’s not a head start as much as it is an advantage of knowing the conditions and playing on these wickets. If I get a game, I’ll make sure this experience holds me in good stead.
Q: Did you feel a little bad for your Perth Scorchers mates?
A: Not one bit, not one little bit (laughs). I’d have loved to play with them but as soon as I came against them, I was going 100% and wanted to knock them all over. They’re as competitive and I’m sure they will be looking to set things straight as well.
Q: How was it to replace your senior Australian pacer, Mitchell Johnson, in the MI playing XI?
A: It was a weird feeling when I first heard he isn’t playing the final. I always want to watch him – the guy who bowls at 150kph is always entertaining to watch. I’m sure he will be back better than ever next year.
Q: What did you do when you were in the same room with Sachin Tendulkar for the first time?
A: The first time I went into the MI dressing room, I didn’t have a seat because all these stars were sitting there, holding their corners. So I just sat on the floor in the middle of the room and waited for my turn in the nets. I can safely say that I was a bit awestruck.
Q: Have you bowled to Tendulkar in the nets?
A: I try not to because I’m scared of what will happen next!
Click here to read the full article
Related posts
