A chat with Ole Mortensen

The other countries who have gone down to Africa have more or less said results weren't a bit deal - just finding out what parts of their game needed sorting out and developing harmony

26-Apr-2007

The other countries who have gone down to Africa have more or less said results weren't a bit deal - just finding out what parts of their game needed sorting out and developing harmony. Same story for Denmark?

Yes - more or less, our pre-season tour to Cape Town was more about getting the team to work as a unit/team on and off the field, and we are happy to report that we succeed in doing that, and that the team played with plenty of commitment. Final results after 6 matches - 2 lost and 4 wins.

On paper, it looked as though your bowling was your main strength, getting at least eight opposiiton wickets in each match bar one. Would you agree?

It's no secret to anybody that bowling is the main strengh in the team, our two opening bowlers, should be able to take some early wickets, and thereby keeping the pressure on the opposition.

But yes our bowling and fielding is the main strengh in the team, but we are confident that some of our batters is going to Canada/Toronto on a batting mission, make a name for themself.

What happened to the batting against Boland Academy?

The wicket were a bit "sporty" not really a one-day wicket - but at the same time their bowlers made the most of the conditions, and well supported by some outstanding fielding, so a good win for Boland Academy, and well deserved too.

You can't always bat on a motorway, sometimes you got to fight for every run you get, that all part of this great game of cricket.

Frederik Klokker scored well - how highly do you rate him and what are his chances for the ICC Trophy?

Frederik Klokker the youngest member in the team (18 years old) - for sure we rate him highly, his attitude is very good, he works hard at his cricket, and Frederik will benefit greatly from taking part in the ICC Trophy in Canada 2001.

Were Thomas Hansen and Amjjad Khan the pick of your bowlers? Will Amjjad get a release from Kent for the ICC Trophy?

Yes - Thomas Hansen our ex-Hampshire player and Amjjad Khan presently at Kent C.C.C. are key members in the team, without them two in the team the bowling lacks penetration and aggression.

Yes we are confident that Kent C.C.C. will release Amjad for the ICC Trophy, our relationship with Kent and Paul Millman their chief executive is very good.

Both Kent and Denmark will benefit from Amjjad taking part in the ICC Trophy, don't forget Amjjad is only 20 years of age.

What were the pleasing aspects of the tour? What areas do you need to improve on?

As I mention earlier in the interwiev, the pleasing aspects of the tour were the commitment and attitude showed by the players on and of the playing field, the new players in the team, did a great job, yes the team played as a team,and if the team do the same in Canada/Toronto the Danish team will surprise one or two teams during the ICC tournament.

The top 5 or 6 in the batting order need to take charge and produce the runs required, the toporder batters must turn 20 or 30 runs into 80 or 100 runs. And in the process keep up with the runrate needed in the situation.

Denmark has been going through a rebuilding stage in the previous 18 months or so. Is that the case, looking more to the next ICC Trophy, are does everyone think you're a good show of qualifying for South Africa?

You are right that the Danish team has been going through a rebuilding stage, presently the average age in the team is twenty three, but if we can finish in the top five as we did in Malaysia, who knows maybe the team can go all the way, as they say it's a funny old game.

Off the field, run into any interesting wildlife, human or otherwise?

Not too much wildlife in Cape Town - apart the beach, not quite Bondi Beach but still a good day out.

The hospitality in Cape Town is first class thanks to Western Province Cricket Association under Arthur Turner, Gwen Johnson, Carol Ann, Frank Brachie and Nabiel Dien. Look forward to be back in Cape Town in the near future.