In our Stars of ECL series, we look at Wesley Barresi of HBS Craeyenhout from the Netherlands. A talented South African born wicket-keeper batsman, Wesley played age group cricket in with AB de Villiers and Dale Steyn before moving to the Netherlands. Wesley and HBS were cruelly denied a shot at this season’s European Cricket League title following the postponement of ECL20 due to the ongoing COVID-19 crisis.
How much of a disappointment was the postponement of ECL20??
To be brutally honest with you I don’t actually know how much of a disappointment it is. Having watched a couple of highlight packages from ECL19, it definitely looked like a lot of fun and a very well-organized tournament.
How has your life changed since covid19 crisis?
I’m at home with my wife and daughter which is great. But in saying that I’m a massive sports fan and love getting outdoors, so that’s been the only no no.
What’s the toughest part of the current covid19 crisis for you?
I mentioned before about not being able to get outdoors to do sports. But you cannot omit the fact that you have to think twice about doing anything else as well. Simple things, like visiting friends or family, aren’t smart ideas if you really do want to take all that is currently happening seriously.
Positively, what is the best part? If any?!
Family, family, family. Having my wife and daughter with me 24/7 has been fantastic. Enjoying quality time, doing the simple things such as a puzzle together, makes me so much more appreciative of the time we spend together.
Who or what is your greatest inspiration at this time?
Clara my wife!! Before I’d go with one of the world’s icons but that has changed. It’s amazing how much you learn and think about during times like these. Clara is rated highly at Nike as a business women. She’s still doing a 9-5 at home and juggling her day-to-day activities, from fitness to being an amazing mother! It’s beastly, powerful and inspirational!
What do you do more of these days?
I’m currently working on producing an album in my home studio as a part time electronic producer. Besides that I’m honing my short game, reading for my return to the golf course.
What would be your dream FIRST game back after the fight has been won against covid19?
A sunny day playing for HBS at home.
What was the highlight of your cricketing career so far?
That’s a tough one because there have been so many! Beating Bangladesh in an ODI - the first time the Netherlands ever beat a full member could be one. But I’d have to say playing against my old friends and team mates Dale Steyn & Morne Morkel in a World Cup match in India in 2011. I opened the batting and they opened the bowling. You can only imagine what was said and how many bouncers I got every over!
Who is the best bowler you've faced?
Tim Murtagh (Ireland & Middlesex) or Chris Woakes (England & Warwickshire) both are so consistent and nagging. One nips it in and out, the other swings it in and out, yeah not easy!
The fastest bowler you've faced?
Tino Best - 152.7 Kmph not an ideal situation that hahaha. But I survived and actually played him decently.
And the best spinner faced?
Ravichandran Ashwin without a doubt. Obviously it was in India which made it tougher, but the control and disguise was tough to play and read.
Who is the best batsman you've played with?
I played first class cricket in South Africa at the age of 17 and was lucky enough to be in the same academy as AB (de Villiers), Faf (du Plessis) and Dale (Steyn) to name a few before moving to the Netherlands. I’ve played some proper cricket for a good number of years with loads of prolific batsmen in there. But if I had to name one, I’d have to say Amol Muzumbar from India. He was ranked better than the great Sachin Tendulkar statistically at the time they both played but, sadly, never got the opportunity to represent India.
And against?
That’s a tough one I mean I’ve played against Virat Kohli, Sachin, KP, Kumar Sangakkara - so many greats!
