Gary Wilson is striving for success with Derbyshire this summer, whilst aiming to make a landmark appearance for Ireland in May.
Last summer the experienced wicketkeeper-batsman led Derbyshire to a first knockout match in Vitality Blast cricket since 2005, whilst he hit 401 first-class runs, including a top-score of 97, all in his maiden year with the Club.
The 32-year-old hopes to build on the Clubs success in the shortest form of the game, but also improve in all forms with the use of a well-balanced squad.
He said: “It’s always exciting come the new season. I feel like we line-up pretty well and we’re going to look to fight on all three fronts. I want to be part of a good side and I want to be in that starting XI.
“We had a good T20 Blast last year so we look to go further in that, but also improve our results in red ball cricket and the 50-over format as well.
“If we can keep people on the park that will be a big thing for us. T20 is something I’m passionate about having led the side last summer. We can gain confidence from the way we played, knowing that we can beat anyone on our day.”
With over 150 international appearances to his name, Wilson will lead Ireland against Somerset in a pre-season friendly at Taunton next week. In a big summer for his nation, he will then target a maiden Test appearance in May, as Ireland play their first Test against Pakistan after being granted full membership by the International Cricket Council (ICC).
Wilson added: “It’s always an honour to lead Ireland. I’ve done it before, but it’s good to be asked and it’ll be good preparation for me personally, but as the team we can prepare for the Test in May.
“We’ve been given full membership now by the ICC, it can be seen as a reward for a great deal of hard work by a number of people on and off the field. The whole organisation is a very impressive one.
“The passion is very evident when we play and we have a togetherness in the way we go about our cricket.
“The Test match will be a day for everyone, all volunteers, staff and players and those associated. It will be a very proud moment for everyone who’s ever played for Ireland.
“I’ve got to try and put in performances and try to be there when it comes to the time for selection.”
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