Canada vs. MCC: New coach Andrew Kirsten looks to instil South African grit

Americas Cup winning Canadian national coach, Andrew Kirsten, says the touring Marylebone Cricket Club is just the right type of opposition for his team, as he seeks to fine tune it's performances for next year's ICC Trophy.

After remaining undefeated against the weekend cricketers from Bermuda, the United States, Argentina and the Cayman Islands to win the inaugural Western Hemisphere title, Kirsten realises the fundamentals will need to be perfected for Canada to match the MCC in two matches next week.

"The MCC will always be technically very good cricketers. It's a different type of game [than the Americas Cup]. There will need to be a lot of emphasis on discipline and not giving away anything."

That attitude will hardly surprise, coming from the brother of present South African Test opener, Gary, and Peter, legendary middle order batsmen of the Protea sides of the early years after reinstatement to Test cricket.

"My brothers Gary and Peter have given me a lot of advice [since commencing the coaching role]," Kirsten volunteered. "As well, Dale Benkenstein has been over here advising the guys."

While Kirsten witnessed latent talent in Canada's Americas Cup run, he knows there is further refinement required for the host to challenge for a precious top three position at next year's ICC Trophy. Application which eliminates any repeat of the 56 extras conceded against Argentina.

"There are players in the team who are of South African provincial B side potential. And if they worked at it a couple could make the A teams," Kirsten offered.

"The main thing is discipline in their game - they have the ability. THey need to concentrate on not giving anything away, line and length, running hard between wickets and being consistent."

Although the MCC will provide a glimpse of the standard to which the Canadians aspire, it is next month's Red Stripe Bowl in Jamaica which will present a merciless examination of its ability.

And they are likely to be without Victorian Pura Milk Cup off-spinner, John Davison, expected to be in Australia on interstate duty.

Despite Davison's probable absence, and First Class opposition which includes Jamaica, Barbados and Trinidad & Tobago, Kirsten said he will expect a positive outlook from his team.

"We're going there with the attitude of trying to win - it is difficult to say how we will go - but we will just look to put in a good performance in fielding, batting and bowling," Kirsten said.

"We're very excited about the Red Stripe - its a different level of competition and a different standard of players."

The Red Stripe Bowl will also see the end of Kirsten's first stint in Canada before his return to Cape Town.

"I have enjoyed it - my wife and I like it here. And the players have responded to what I am trying to instil. I have been getting great effort from the guys."

While Kirsten is pleased with his players' commitment, obstacles caused by the players' amateur status makes life interesting.

"It makes training sessions a little difficult with guys missing due to work. It's hard to put things in a team context."

Kirsten is not complaining though, after all, he asked for the job!

"In 1999 I contacted the Canadian Cricket Association seeking an opportunity, and after a couple of months they got back to me."

And so far, both employer and employee are glad they did.