With just 15 days to go before the first ball is bowled in the ICC U19 Cricket World Cup Bangladesh 2016, Ireland's Kevin O'Brien recalls how his participation in this tournament has helped him develop as a cricketer.

The upcoming tournament will take place in four Bangladesh cities from 27 January to 14 February and will feature nine Test-playing nations and seven Associate and Affiliate members – Afghanistan, Canada, Fiji, Ireland, Namibia, Nepal and Scotland.

Kevin O'Brien of Ireland, who played against Cook in the 2004 event in Bangladesh, hoped the current cricketers will make the most of the opportunity of taking part in an ICC event.

“It was a learning curve for us both as individuals and as a team,” the all-rounder recalled. “As youngsters we learnt what life on tour was all about.

“It was a tremendous tournament to play in and we still talk about it in the Irish dressing room.

“The best piece of advice I can give to players travelling to Bangladesh is they should try and embrace the local culture, try the local cuisine and not just stay in their hotel rooms. They will grow as cricketers.”