This summer we have welcomed Rob O’Donnell, from New Zealand, as our overseas player for 2014. Rob has answered a few questions to give us some insight and background to his playing career so far.
Rob was New Zealand Under-19s captain in the ICC U19 Cricket World Cup held in UAE earlier this year. You van view You Tube videos from the competition at the bottom of the page.
Rob on his way to a century for New Zealand Under-19s in the ICC U19 World Cup 2014 in UAE.
You can view Rob’s details on ESPNCricinfo.
Rob’s home cricket club is Takapuna in Auckland, also the home of Swardeston’s 2013 overseas Jono Sole.
Key facts
- Born September 12, 1994, Auckland
- Major teams Auckland, New Zealand Under-19s
- Batting style – Right-hand bat
- Bowling Style – Off spin
Q Do you have a nickname, if so please explain its significance?
A HotRod. My initials spell ROD and I am warm blooded = HotRod.
Q What’s your taste in music, have you any singing or song writing talent!
A Fairly old school, currently teaching myself guitar but nothing can save my horrific voice.
Q What’s your most proud cricket achievement?
A Captaining my country in the recent under 19 World Cup.
Q What surprised you most about Swardeston, what’s else is there to do when not cricketing?
A The constant ability to find a way to win. My studies, mowing Big Pete’s lawns and walking Hector – Tufty’s ginger boy.
Q What do you miss whilst away from home and living in Swardeston?
A The beach is one of the main things that isn’t on the doorstep, and my family!
Rob lining up for Swardeston.
Q I hear you are coaching youngsters, what one tip would you pass on to our juniors?
A Always have fun with your team mates and WATCH THE BALL!!!
Q Did you know anything about the county of Norfolk before you arriving here and have you picked up any of the sayings yet, my ol’ bewty!
A To be honest not that much at all, and nothing just yet but the Taylors are trying their best!
Q What’s the biggest difference between playing cricket in England and New Zealand?
A Getting my head around the role I have to play in different conditions.
Q If you were not here playing cricket, what would you be doing in the winter at home?
A I was lucky enough to have earned a NZC winter squad contract that I had to turn down coming over here, so that would have taken most my time along with studies.
Q What other sports do you enjoy playing?
A I have enjoyed playing rugby in off seasons, and some hockey at times.
Q How did your love of cricket blossom, do your family play any sport?
A Yes. My dad is a coach and used to play in his younger days, so I grew up with it.
