'Test status will be massive for cricket in Ireland'
William Porterfield talks leadership, his first match for his country, and the super power he wants
Interview by Jack Wilson
08-Mar-2014
"It's always nice for any Irishman to do well when they come up against England in any sport" • Getty Images
Think back to September 3, 2013. A century, while captain of Ireland, against England. How good was that?
It was a pretty special moment. To score a century for your country always is, but at the end of the day we lost. It takes a bit away from scoring a few runs when it's not in a winning cause.
It was a pretty special moment. To score a century for your country always is, but at the end of the day we lost. It takes a bit away from scoring a few runs when it's not in a winning cause.
Was it made more special because it was against England?
It's always nice for any Irishman to do well when they come up against England in any sport, but they are the closest team to us and a Full Member nation too.
It's always nice for any Irishman to do well when they come up against England in any sport, but they are the closest team to us and a Full Member nation too.
What is it like to captain your country?
A massive honour. To walk out leading Ireland is something I dreamed about. I had a taste of captaining Ireland's junior sides from a young age and just wanted it more and more.
A massive honour. To walk out leading Ireland is something I dreamed about. I had a taste of captaining Ireland's junior sides from a young age and just wanted it more and more.
How much would Test cricket mean to Ireland?
It would be massive for the country and for cricket in Ireland. It would show how far we've come, but it's still a work in progress. I know it's not going to happen overnight but we've come a long way.
It would be massive for the country and for cricket in Ireland. It would show how far we've come, but it's still a work in progress. I know it's not going to happen overnight but we've come a long way.
Will it happen in your career?
I hope so. The board have put a plan in place and a strategy to become a Test-playing nation by 2020. I'd like to think I'll still be around then.
I hope so. The board have put a plan in place and a strategy to become a Test-playing nation by 2020. I'd like to think I'll still be around then.
There have been a load of great days in your career, but what has been best?
The 2011 win in the World Cup over England in Bangalore is up there. The 2007 World Cup was magnificent too: the tie with Zimbabwe and then the win over Pakistan that got us through. There are so many.
The 2011 win in the World Cup over England in Bangalore is up there. The 2007 World Cup was magnificent too: the tie with Zimbabwe and then the win over Pakistan that got us through. There are so many.
If you had to pick one?
I'll go with the win over Pakistan, as it meant we qualified for the Super Eights that year.
I'll go with the win over Pakistan, as it meant we qualified for the Super Eights that year.
Who is the hardest man in county cricket?
I played with Steve Kirby and he was a fiery character on the pitch. Off it, he was a big softie.
I played with Steve Kirby and he was a fiery character on the pitch. Off it, he was a big softie.
Who is the greatest Irish sportsman or woman that has ever lived?
George Best.
George Best.
If you could have one super power, what would it be?
To turn back time.
To turn back time.
Which of your Ireland team-mates can down a pint of Guinness the quickest?
I'll go with Paul Stirling.
I'll go with Paul Stirling.
Your team-mate Niall O'Brien told ESPNcricinfo he was a good sledger. What do you make of that?
I stand out of his way so I don't have to hear him! I've never heard it when we've played Northamptonshire as I haven't batted for long enough.
I stand out of his way so I don't have to hear him! I've never heard it when we've played Northamptonshire as I haven't batted for long enough.
Who is the most laidback player in your team?
Kevin O'Brien is right up there.
Kevin O'Brien is right up there.
Who's the easiest to captain?
Paul Stirling. He doesn't get upset about too much. He just goes out there to see the ball and smash it.
Paul Stirling. He doesn't get upset about too much. He just goes out there to see the ball and smash it.
What is the last film you have seen?
I'm not a film man myself. I think it was Borat. How old is that?
I'm not a film man myself. I think it was Borat. How old is that?