Ireland's O'Brien joins Gloucestershire

Cricket: Ireland World Cup star Kevin O'Brien has joined Gloucestershire for the rest of the season. The 27-year-old, who compiled the fastest ever World Cup century in March, achieving the feat against England, has previously played county cricket for Nottinghamshire.

He said: “I am looking forward to getting over there and hopefully helping the team to achieve its goals in all forms of the game, but especially t20 and one-day cricket.

“Hopefully I can have a great season, help Gloucestershire win trophies and improve my game even further.”

Although considered a one-day specialist, O’Brien averages 32.3 with the bat and has a top score of 171 and 24 wickets with the ball in 18 first-class games.

Gloucestershire director of cricket John Bracewell said: “We are delighted to have signed Kevin O’Brien to our squad with particular reference to his one day skills.

“Given his heroics in the World Cup the Gladiators have a genuine lion slayer in their midst.”

O'Brien is in line to make his debut against Glamorgan on Sunday, May 15th as both Chris Dent and Hamish Marshall are both injured.

The all-rounder, who shot to prominence after the quickest century in World Cup history in 50 balls against England, was awarded a full-time contract by Cricket Ireland in 2010.

He has played 58 one-day internationals and with his all-round skills has a batting average of 34.86, a highest innings of 142 and has taken 47 wickets.