We caught up with Asa Tribe, international player for Jersey and Willow Twin ambassador, as the team push for World Cup qualification.
This interview took place on the final weekend of ICC Cricket World Cup Challenge League B. Jersey went on to win the tournament beating Uganda on net run rate. Jersey now progress to the 2023 ICC Cricket World Cup Qualifier Play-off which forms part of the qualification pathway to the 2023 Cricket World Cup. Asa was named Player of the Tournament.
I'm here this morning at Farmers Cricket Club in Jersey in the channel islands, ahead of a one day international between Jersey and Italy.
Asa, thanks for joining us. It's the third round of the Cricket World Cup Challenge League B - the tournament is going well. You've played three games so far which has taken Jersey to the top of the group. How's the mood in the camp?
Great, we've obviously won three from three in this part of the tournament, and smashed it in the previous phase of the tournament. We know that these last two games matter a lot if we want to progress.
Just explain to everyone, what does the tournament mean? Where does it go from here if Jersey do top the group?
So there's two things that could happen. It could either be we play against Challenge League A winners to move up to the next set of qualification, or both teams will go to the next set of qualification for qualifying for the ODI World Cup in India next year.
You made your List A debut at the start of this tournament. 3 games, 240 runs at an average of 120 odd - scores of 68, a maiden century followed by an 80 not out to bring home the victory against Hong Kong. This international cricket seems like a breeze Asa?
Well it seems like that! When you're new to a squad, you've got to put in the performances to keep getting picked and it's very competitive. So I'm happy with the performances I've put in so far, I really couldn't have asked for much more.
You've contributed not just with the bat as well. Some wickets, catches and important run outs. How important is that to your game?
Yep, it's massively important. You can't just be a batter nowadays, you've got to influence the game in many different ways and whatever way I do that I'm happy to contribute to the team and get us over the line.
Would you say there's been a particular highlight for you so far?
I think it's got to be the hundred - my first hundred for Jersey in international cricket, my third one for the senior team. I hope it's the first of many.
You joined the Willow Twin family recently, and it seems to have coincided nicely with a run of form. You are using the Willow Twin HELIOS. I know you specifically requested the yellow stickers. They look great in the Jersey sunshine! What are your thoughts on the kit?
Obviously it's designed really well - it's nice and comfortable. It's obviously for a great cause as well, helping young kids get into cricket, so I'm really delighted to be using the kit, it's brilliant.
So you play Italy today and then the final game against Kenya tomorrow. Any plans ahead of those games?
Italy will come out fighting, they are a very good side who we have had good clashes with before. Fortunately we got the best of them last time so hopefully can again. We have a big Jersey crowd supporting us so that will help massively. Hopefully we can go and get the win.
We'll be keeping a close eye on the Jersey boys as they try and make it four from four. And hopefully some more big runs for you. Asa thanks very much for your time, and go well today.
