Jarrod Bird – my best captain

The best captain I played with was Brad Ruddell at South Brisbane District Cricket Club.

Brad learned how to get inside my head and make me focus on what our team needed. As an angry fast bowler, I could be a bit loose at times but he taught me to direct my anger and focus on what the team needed.

He also trusted me and when I told him my plan for a particular batsman, he would set fields to support that plan and always congratulate me when my plan resulted in a dismissal.

Brad always led from the front and always set a good example for all team mates. He was supportive and authoritative when he needed to be. He backed everyone in the team because we had all earned our stripes to be given a chance to play first grade cricket in Brisbane.

Humility was his second-best trait. He never had an ego and when he performed as an individual, he would find a way to include the whole team as part of his success. He is a model human being and someone I will always hold a place in my heart for.

2000/2001 season he led us to a Grand Final Victory by instilling the belief in us all that we could win. We entered the semi-finals in 4th spot and played the minor premiers who were chasing their fourth consecutive premiership. We all played to a plan and beat them convincingly with a great all round effort from everyone.

We played University of Queensland in the final at Allan Border Field. They had Martin Love, Geoff Foley, Michael Kasprowicz and other Qld shield players.

What we accomplished in this final is still one of the proudest moments I have ever experienced in cricket.

The reason we beat this team was because of the ethos that our skipper instilled in is. We won because of the strength of the team and not any one individual. Literally one of the best experiences I have ever had on a cricket field.