You can't compare a dolphin with a door
06-18-2010 7:15 am

Dave Langford-Smith played 43 times for Ireland between 2006 and 2008, taking 65 wickets in that time. He was one of the Irish success stories of the 2007 World Cup in the West Indies.

At the RSA one-day international against Australia, CricketEurope caught up with the affable Aussie.

How did your career in Ireland come about?

“I was in Kilkenny for Jeremy Bray’s wedding in 2001 and met some Phoenix members who persuaded me to come back and play the following season- that was the best decision I ever made.”

How did you first get picked for Ireland - who approached you, when did you realize you were in with a shout?

“I met Adi Birrell in 2002 and we’d always have a good chat when we’d meet. He was always asking me how long I’d been in Ireland, but it was not till 2005 that he seriously approached me about joining the squad.”

You came in for a lot of criticism early in your Ireland career - that must have hurt?

“I’d be lying if I said that it didn’t bother me. I had people bagging me about my ability, weight and even my name. Then when I retired I was still copping it. I had to look up the word mercenary in the dictionary to find out what I was being accused of! Looking back, I should’ve just laughed it off, but I’d never experienced being talked about publicly and I took a lot of what was said personally. A sensitive Aussie? Who would’ve thought?”

Did you get annoyed when people accused you of jumping on bandwagon to play in the World Cup?

“Before I qualified, I spoke to Adi about this. I didn’t want to be resented by any of the players for joining the squad after they had qualified for the World Cup.

“He just told me that it was his job to get the best 15 players whether they were newly qualified or current squad members. I got on well with the lads before I joined the squad and everyone was very welcoming to me. I was not concerned about anyone else’s thoughts on the matter.”

The Ferret dance - how did that come about?

“Growing up in Oz there was a sketch show on tv called Fast Forward. Two characters were called Michelle and Ferret. Ferret didn’t say much, but he liked to dance.

“So I borrowed his moves and have been using them ever since. Myself and Maebh did a ‘duelling ferret’ routine as our first dance at our wedding. And for the record, ferrets eat chickens!”

2007 world cup - how was that for you – you forged a very successful new ball partnership with Boyd - did you enjoy bowling with him in tandem?

“The Caribbean trip was a surreal experience. Cricket fans loved us and Test nations started to take us seriously. The buzz back home was huge as well, so it was great to finally put cricket on the map in Ireland.

“Yeah, Boyd and I are completely different bowlers but we worked well together. He’s big, quick and gets batsmen jumping around whereas I was a tad more gentle but moved it around a bit. I enjoyed bowling with the big lad.”

Was it hard to adjust to normal life after 2007 world cup?

“After the West Indies I found myself back at work, coaching in the evenings four days a week, putting on weight, burned out and watching my game suffer.

“There’s a lot to be said about the professional cricketer, having the freedom to work on your game, your fitness whilst still getting enough rest. I struggled to juggle work commitments with cricket and knew my game would never be at that level again.”

Why did you retire at a relatively early age - 30?

“My brother in law offered me an apprenticeship. I had no qualifications and was concerned about my life after cricket. I could’ve stayed on and played a few more seasons and then quit and had nothing to fall back on. Maebh and I had been talking about starting a family so I just had to make the decision to spend more time at home working a 40 hour week.”

Do you regret the decision when you see the players now on contracts and getting better rewards?

“No regrets. Phil Simmons told me that contracts were on the way but starting a family was more important to me. We have an amazing little lady now called Amelie, and I couldn’t bear being away from home for any length of time.”

Are you tempted to try and make a comeback - surely you are ideally suited for T20 - hard hitter and swing bowler?

“I love playing 20/20 cricket but there’s no comeback I’m afraid.”

Phoenix - how many seasons now? Were there offers to move - ever tempted?

“This will be my 9th season with Phoenix. I still do get offers, which is flattering, but I’ve never really considered leaving Phoenix. It’s a great club with great people.”

Who are the best players you’ve played with and against?

“Played against … well… take your pick out of the teams in the Windies. Played with … batsman … Michael Slater … Seamer… Brett Lee … Spinner … William Kyle McCallan – legend.

Favourite international and domestic cricketing memories?

“In the Caribbean, versus South Africa in warm up match I got Smith, De Villiers and Kallis …Paddy’s day taking out Pakistan and beating Bangladesh were special moments. Domestically, any time I score more than 50 for phoenix is a special occasion.”

Which young players should we be watching out for?

“I’ve always liked the look of Shane Getkate from Malahide. I hope he kicks on and pushes into the senior squad. Phoenix have two brothers named Tom and Rory Anders who are starting to make the Ireland junior squads. They’re great kids with futures in the game.”

Finally, are you more optimistic now than you were 10 years ago about Irish cricket?

“Cricket in Ireland now can’t be compared to cricket 10 years ago. It’s like comparing a dolphin with a door. Congratulations to all players, coaches, supporters and kids who have all made us what we are today … the no1 associate nation!