 In 2006 he was banned for one ICC Intercontinental Cup match after an outburst criticising the groundsman at an Intercontinental Cup game with Scotland because of condition of the pitch.O'Brien has spent many an Australian summer playing for Mosman Cricket Club in the Sydney Grade Cricket competition.O'Brien also assumed a part-time coaching role while at the club and considers the time spent in Australia as some of the most vital parts of his career.