Have followed Sourav Ganguly's way of playing spin bowling: Sean Williams

Sean Williams on way to his 96 against Ireland

Zimbabwe all-rounder Sean Williams, one of the most sparkling performers of the 2015 World Cup – with 289 runs, three fifties and 7 wickets to his name – has said that he has learnt to play spin in the middle overs from watching India great Sourav Ganguly.

Williams scored runs at will against Ireland in the middle overs, but could not take his team over the finishing line, being controversially given out after a catch was taken very close to the boundary ropes to end his innings at 96.

He said, “I have always watched Sourav Ganguly and how he used to play spin. I try and use my feet a lot of the time and try to make them change their pace for me, and manipulate the field, so I can hit the ball where I want and get them to bowl where I want them to.

“It is difficult, sometimes it may work, sometimes it may not. We just do the simple things right. Hitting down the ground on these wickets (in Australia and New Zealand), where there is not much turn, you cannot go wrong.”

On the sweep shot which Williams has played with much success, he said, “I started playing that shot as I tried to prepare for Asian pitches. It has stuck with me since. And, also having played hockey, it helps.”

Williams’ mother is a former hockey gold medallist with the Zimbabwe team that won the 1980 Moscow Olympics gold, and his father was captain of the Zimbabwe mens’ team for many years.

Zimbabwe cricket moving forward under Dav Whatmore: Williams

On whether he has any regrets from this World Cup, Williiams said, “Every single World Cup I have enjoyed playing in.The 2015 World Cup has been a pleasure to be a part of and I want to take as many opportunities as I am given and take it with both hands.

“And, I think Zimbabwe cricket is moving ahead under Dav. In very little time, we have shown progress. Give us a little more time under time, or give him chance, hopefully we will have some success.

India play Zimbabwe in an inconsequential tie today at 6:30 am(IST), the last group game for both the teams, and Williams said he was looking forward to the occasion of facing the world champions.

“I look at it as a huge opportunity for me to take with both hands and hopefully I can do well. Hopefully, the moment doesn’t get to me as it is a big occasion playing against Indian team, hopefully a massive crowd could come in. The key is to stay as calm as possible.”

Petra High School in Bulawayo is feeling mighty proud this morning knowing that its ex pupil Sean Williams is 5th best in @cricketworldcup

— David Coltart (@DavidColtart) March 9, 2015