Andrew White
Born: Newtownards, Co.Down
Occupation: Teacher / Cricketer
Club: Instonians C.C.
Previous Clubs: Ards C.C, North Down, Northamptonshire C.C.C
Secondary School: Regent house Grammar School, Newtownards
Representative Honours: Ulster Schools', Irish Schools', Ireland U13, 15, 16, 17, 19. Ireland 'A', Ireland
Ireland Statistics: 186 caps - second on the all-time list. 3869 runs at an average of 28.45. Has scored 16 fifties and 5 centuries. Highest score of 152 not out v Netherlands in 2004. In addition he has taken 112 wickets at 27.70. His best bowling figures are 4 for 22 versus Uganda in 2009. Has 67 catches and 8 run outs.
Cricketing Career
Who had the greatest influence on your career? Les Jones of Ards C.C. and my teachers at Regent House, Murray Lee and Eric Sinnamon. Dad is ever present around the boundary and mum was a great support down the years. Adi Birrell and Phil Simmons have taught me a lot in different aspects of my game.
What is your ultimate cricketing aspiration? To keep playing for as long as I can....sorry Ydele!!
What is your most memorable cricketing moment? Hard to look past the World Cup in 2007 but so many special moments from Surrey and West Indies in 2004, ICup wins, 2010 World League etc...
What was your worst cricketing moment? 2001 ICC Trophy in Toronto was a bit of a disaster
What is your funniest cricketing moment? While at North Down, Billy Dale found himself consigned to fielding fine leg to fine leg, so he borrowed a childs bike and at the end of the over rode the length of the field to take up his position.
Who is your best friend in Irish Cricket and why? Have known Mr McCallan for a long time and we have become good mates over the years. Many entertaining moments on and off the field usually at Robert Torrens or the Mooneys expense. Great servant to Irish Cricket...he is now my 'boss' in school but I suppose he is only as good as those under him!!
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Irish Cricket
Who is your favourite Irish cricketer (past and present), and why? Past - Roy Torrens, if all his stories are true...he must have been some player!! Present - John Mooney - we have shared some entertaining moments on and off the field over the past 10/11 years and he shows what playing for Ireland means.
Which is your favourite Irish cricket ground, and why? Waringstown on a sunny day is hard to beat, North Down and Eglinton have excellent wickets which club cricket needs.
Who is the best young Irish cricketer you have seen in recent times? Paul Stirling, hugely gifted and talented for someone so young.
What do you think of overseas professionals in Irish club cricket? Very beneficial. Clubs are now being a bit more selective to the needs of their club rather than buying best available who will win matches. This is a good approach and one that should be encouraged as our young players need someone to look up to.
Do you think bowlers should be restricted in domestic cricket? Yes, Ireland play ODI cricket (mainly) so I believe we should play to those rules.
What are your main complaints about Irish cricket? Different rules for different competitions - whats wrong with ODI rules throughout??
How would you set about improving the standard of Irish cricket? The old adage of better wickets makes better cricket. Many clubs and individuals are trying their utmost but sometimes its hard to beat the weather!!
How would you set about making Irish cricket more popular? ODI rules with power plays and free hits etc... should make for more exciting cricket all round.
International Cricket
Which Test team, if any, do you support, and why? Would sit down and watch India, just one great batsman after another.
Which overseas countries have you played cricket in? South Africa, Sri Lanka, India, Zimbabwe, West Indies, Canada, Holland, Denmark, UAE
Which was your favourite, and why? West Indies - entertaining cricket on the field, enjoyable surroundings off the field!!!
Who is your favourite world cricketer, and why? Virender Sehwag - plays test cricket like he does T20
Your Interests
Which other sports do you play regularly? Golf, Snooker
What are your hobbies? Relaxing with wife Ydele, eating out and golf
Who is your favourite musical artist? Coldplay
Who is your favourite author? No time to read books unfortunately...
Which is your favourite film? Shawshank Redemption
What is your favourite newspaper? Belfast Telegraph / Newsletter
What is your favourite television programme? Sky Sports
What is your favourite web site? Sky Sports
What is your favourite type of food? Thai
Where is your favourite place to go on holiday? Barbados