Canada captain: Davison’s absence gives others a chance to shine

In the fourth of four interviews with the captains of the ICC Intercontinental Cup semi-finalists, Canada’s Ian Billcliff explains how team spirit can help compensate for the absence of top performer John Davison in the three-day first-class tournament in the United Arab Emirates.

Interview with Canada captain Ian Billcliff

How important is the ICC Intercontinental Cup to your team?
Any opportunity we have to play cricket against quality opposition is a great experience for us. Playing in different countries against varied opposition is a very steep learning curve, and what we have experienced so far is that the team that comes to terms with the conditions the quickest and executes their plans efficiently comes out on top.

How much will you miss John Davison?
John is obviously a very important player for us and has been our most successful performer in the qualifying matches so it goes without saying that he will be missed. But his absence gives some of the others a chance to shine. We’ve got some good players and I’m still confident we can do well.

Do you think playing three-day international cricket has benefited your team?
It definitely has been helpful to learn to be able to build an innings and to be patient with the ball and build pressure. The experience will definitely benefit the team’s growth and I think that we have grown closer as a unit over the series of three-day games.

How do the tactics for the three day game differ from limited overs cricket?
The wearing pitch is the biggest factor. To be able to adapt one’s game as the match progresses is the key.

What are your strengths as a team?
I think as a team we genuinely enjoy each others’ successes. We have a great sense of 'team' and this is reflected in the way we play.

Have you made any special plans for any of the opposition?
We have had limited experience playing these teams so there will have to be a lot of input from various members of the team. There will be a fair bit of thinking on our feet but in the end it is a fairly simple game, and the team that executes the basics the best will win the tournament.