Kevin O'Brien (cricketer)

Kevin Joseph O'Brien (born 4 March 1984 in Dublin) is an Irish cricketer who plays for Railway Union Cricket Club and Gloucestershire. He holds the world record for the fastest century ever scored at a World Cup, coming from 50 balls against England on 2 March 2011. An all-rounder, O'Brien is an aggressive right-handed middle to lower order batsman and a right-arm medium-fast bowler. He made his One Day International (ODI) debut in 2006 in Ireland's inaugural match. O'Brien played for Nottinghamshire in 2009, and in 2010 was awarded a contract with Cricket Ireland, making him one of six players with a full-time contract with the board.

Personal life and education

O'Brien was educated in Marian College, Ballsbridge. His brother Niall is also a member of the Irish team. Their father Brendan played 52 times for Ireland. He is one of five O'Brien brothers to play cricket.

Career

Kevin O'Brien represented Ireland in the Under-19s World Cup of 2004 in which he made 241 runs to help his country reach the Plate Semi-Final before being defeated by Australia. The following year he played for the MCC Young Cricketers.

In June 2006 he made his One Day International debut in Ireland's inaugural ODI game, against England in Belfast....
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