Madeira’s most well-known son is Cristiano Ronaldo, and the island modified the identify of its airport in honour of the Portuguese soccer star.
Henriques joked he “would possibly get a helicopter pad” named after him, if he is ready to skipper Portugal to the World Cup.
Portugal, ranked thirty seventh on the earth, will first have to come back via the 10-team event in Finland, the place they’ve drawn Czech Republic, Germany, Greece and Israel in Group B.
Ought to they progress, the subsequent stage shall be a European ultimate regional qualifier with Scotland, Jersey and Denmark subsequent 12 months.
Henriques mentioned whereas incomes a Dishevelled Inexperienced will take some beating, the sensation of pulling on a Portugal shirt, and captaining the nation, shall be one thing particular.
“I went again to Madeira final 12 months and it was the primary time I might been again, however I felt actually linked to the place,” Henriques mentioned.
“After I performed for Australia, my household additionally felt I used to be representing them as nicely. I am representing the motherland, so to talk, and it should really feel considerably comparable.
“Hopefully we will make a constructive affect making an attempt to develop the game in Portugal and doubtless Europe extra broadly as nicely.”
Henriques, who may even play for Glasgow Cosmic within the inaugural European T20 Premier League following the qualifier, just isn’t the one participant in Portugal’s squad to have performed professionally.
Batter Cameron Shekleton, 26, has performed first-class cricket in South Africa and appeared for the Proteas A aspect.
Former New Zealand Underneath-19 captain Craig Cachopa, 34, represented Sussex, Auckland and Wellington.
“I used to be quietly and pleasantly shocked with the standard of cricketers that we have within the group,” Henriques mentioned.
“There’s lots of high-level cricketers going round, which I most likely wasn’t anticipating just a few years in the past after I first began entertaining the considered taking part in.”
One problem that Henriques will face on the qualifier in Finland is taking part in on a synthetic pitch for the primary time in just a few a long time.
“It could be 25 years since I’ve truly performed a recreation of cricket on an artificial wicket,” added the previous Sydney Sixers skipper.
“I am popping out of again surgical procedure about 5 months in the past so the largest problem bowling shall be touchdown on an artificial wicket on coming off a full run-up.
“Clearly we prepare loads indoors on artificial wickets so hopefully I could make the adjustment.”
Take heed to the complete interview with Moises Henriques on the BBC Stumped podcast.
