Recent strong performances for representative sides against touring teams from Sri Lanka and Zimbabwe convinced the World-A-Team selectors of his credentials for this year’s A Team selection.

Q1:  You were in the Emerging Players tournament in Australia earlier this year where you opened the batting and made 47 runs in 36 balls.  Do you feel comfortable opening the batting in 50 over matches? 

Davey Jacobs: Yes, I love opening the batting.  The ball is hard, players are aggressive… Its definitely the nicest place to bat in limited overs games.  The last 2 years I have been batting at four for my franchise though.   

Q2:  Your Eagles team-mates Mornè van Wyk and JJ van der Wath were also in that team.  Did it have a positive effect on you having your team-mates around? 

Davey: Yes.  Very much so.  You practice with these guys every day, we know each other pretty well, so yes, it did have a positive effect. 

Q3:  You played some close matches against Australia in that tournament.  Any thoughts on the tied match or on winning the final, particularly? 

Davey: Well, before the tournament started, we all said we really want to win it.  I think it is a very good tournament for young cricketers, as it helps them in their development and to gain experience of course.

Q4:  Any player in your side that impressed you? 

Davey: Yes, I thought Robin Peterson did well. He certainly caught my eye. 

Q5:  Has this experience improve you as a player? 

Davey: Definitely.  There were small things about my game that I could improve and because it was in our winter, it was good to play some cricket.  The more you can play at this stage in your life, the more you learn. 

Q6:  Did the players have time to socialise or sightsee during the tournament? 

Davey: Yes we did.  Many of us already know some of the New Zealand and Australian players, so we did socialise. 

Q7:  What is your usual fielding position?  What is your preferred fielding position? 

Davey: I love to field in the inner ring.  And my favourite fielding position is backward point. 

Q8:  Do you prefer playing one-day games, or 4 day games? 

Davey: I love all forms of cricket, be it limited overs, test or Pro/20.   

Q9:  How optimistic are you about playing at test level someday? 

Davey: I am very optimistic about that.  I strongly believe that I will play test cricket someday.  And I am not just WAITING, I am PREPARING for it. 

Q10:  How useful did you find the experience of playing in the Under 19 World Cup in New Zealand in 2002? 

Davey: That was my very first tour.  I really learnt a great deal there and gained a lot of experience. 

Q11:   How were you first introduced to cricket, and what about the game got you hooked? 

Davey: The first thing I remember about cricket was my dad putting a bat in my hands and tossing balls at me.  I think when I was about 8 years old, I had to decide between other sporting interests like rugby, tennis, athletics and of course cricket.  I chose cricket. 

Q12:  What other interests/hobbies do you get up to when not playing or training for cricket? 

Davey: Any spare time I get, I try to spend with my wife.  We got married last year.  I love a braai very much (braai:  barbecue)  I’d have a braai with my family and friends every day if I could!    

Q13:  Who are your favourite cricket players of all time? 

Davey: When I was younger, I used to think Sachin Tendulkar.  Now I think Ricky Ponting. 

Q14:  What advice would you give to youngsters to encourage them to take up cricket? 

Davey: Firstly, you must really have a love for the game.  Secondly, it takes a lot of discipline to be a cricket player, but at the same time, it builds character.   There will be times when things don’t go according to your plans, and then you need that character to see you through those times.  Life is about moments and memories, and cricket gives you many opportunities to have the best of these.  I can’t think of anything better. 

Q.15:  What has been your own personal highlight from your career so far? 

Davey: Personal highlights?  Yes.  So far that would definitely be the 146 I made against Sri Lanka WITH Murali in the attack.  Then there was the Standard Bank final 2 years ago versus the Titans in Bloemfontein (Eagles home ground).  I made 82 not out winning runs for my team. Then of course my maiden first class double century.  That was 218 that I made for SA “A” against the Dolphins. 

Q16:  What are your views on 20/20 cricket? 

Davey: In my opinion it’s very good for the game of cricket in general.  Also, since 20/20 cricket came onto the scene, it has even changed the totals posted in 50 over matches.  Tests as well.  Batting now has a different dimension to it.   One more thing I like about 20/20 cricket, is that it is so fast paced, there is just no place to hide! 

Q17:  Who has been the greatest influence on your cricket career? 

Davey: I only have 2 names there for you.  Firstly, it will have to be my dad.  He has been my greatest influence on the game since I can remember.  Secondly, my wife Lizelle.  She’s been my rock.    

Q18:  Do you play for any overseas clubs in the off season?  If not, how do you keep fit? 

Davey: I played for Belfast 2 years ago during our off-season.  I worked this winter, but maintained a strict fitness programme.  We normally have about a month “off” after a season, and then begin training again for the new season.

Q19:  What has been the most difficult obstacle to overcome in your cricket career? 

Davey: Not to play the way others want me to play.  I mean, coaches normally want you to play “correct” shots, by the book.  It’s their job to do that.  But I feel coaches should allow you to play your natural game.  They should only interfere when there is a HUGE flaw.    

Q 20:  What is your nickname and how did you get it? 

Davey: Well, my name is actually David, so Davey is my nickname.  When I was young, I would only ever be called “David” if I was in trouble!