Ireland wicketkeeper Gary Wilson is looking forward to becoming the head coach of North-West Warriors after retiring from the professional game on Friday.Wilson, who also takes up the post of Pathway Manager with the interprovincial side, added that he would like to be involved in the Ireland coaching set-up at a later stage,

Wilson said “I’m fortunate to remain in the game I love”

Wilson, who turned 35 in February, has been part of the Ireland senior set-up since breaking through in 2005, representing the senior side in 292 matches, making him Ireland’s third most capped player of all time. In all, he racked up 3385 international runs in all formats – 5959 runs in all for Ireland – including an ODI century. 

He also has 160 catches and 33 stumps as a wicket-keeper for Ireland, and represented the side in the ICC Men’s Cricket World Cup 2011 and 2015, as well as in ICC Men’s T20 World Cups in 2009, 2010, 2012, 2014 and 2016.

Wilson, who last played for Ireland in a T20I against West Indies in January 2020, said being named captain of the T20 side in 2018 was his proudest moment. “To step away from international cricket after 16 years is something I will miss dearly – I will miss the guys probably more than anything,” said Wilson.

 

Wilson added“But pulling on the shirt and playing for Ireland was the only thing I ever dreamed of growing up. To have played for Ireland 292 times is something I am very proud of – if I had thought I’d have made it 10 times growing up I would have snapped your hand off, so 292 times is something I’m very proud of.”

He said “To be named T20 captain for Ireland in 2018 was probably my proudest moment internationally. Again, growing up it was something I could only dream of. As for achievements, obviously the various World Cups and T20 World Cups, but probably my best game in an Irish shirt came in a World Cup match against UAE in Brisbane [he hit 80 from 69 balls and took two catches in a Player of the Match performance]. There were so many memorable games over the years … the Zimbabwe game in the same World Cup was probably my favourite game to be part of.”

Wilson said coaching was something he’d always had in mind. “What’s exciting about it here in Ireland is the impact I think I can have – the opportunity to improve players. Hopefully, I can use some of my experience both from England [at Surrey] and playing for Ireland in order to do that. I’m really passionate about Irish cricket and hopefully can help bring through the next generation and see Ireland flourish in the future really excites me.”

Andy balbirnie Ireland’s captain, said: “Gary was a brilliant team-mate and a great friend to have – a guy who you would never hesitate to chat to about anything on or off the field. He was one of those people who, every time he pulled on the jersey, wore his heart on his sleeve, always leading by example in everything we were trying to do as a team.

“Within the set-up, he was one who would always offer to help develop the next crop of young Irish cricketers. I have no doubt he will be a successful coach and I’m looking forward to seeing his progress. We are very fortunate to have someone like Gary still involved in Irish cricket and long may it continue.”