By IANS/CMC,
Kingston (Jamaica): Injury-prone West Indies fast bowler Jerome Taylor says he is working his way back to full fitness, as he targets a recall to the Caribbean side.
The 28-year-old, once the leading strike bowler for the West Indies, has not played international cricket in two years following a spate of injuries, reports Caribbean Media Corporation (CMC).
He admitted “frustration” at not being able to don the maroon but says he was now only focussed on getting himself prepared for a return.
“My main focus is to get fit and ready to play cricket. I’m doing work behind the scenes, so I just have to continue doing what I’ve been doing to make sure I reach the fitness level that is required,” Taylor told the Jamaica Observer.
“I’m a player, so naturally I want to play cricket and if I’m not included I always want to know the reason I’m not included. It can be a bit frustrating when I think about the way some things were done and brought across (to me).”
Taylor was earmarked for success after making his international debut against Sri Lanka, just days before his 19th birthday. Since then, he has taken 82 wickets from 29 Tests and 98 scalps from 66 One-Day Internationals.
He was at the centre of the West Indies’ last series win against a top-tier England three years ago when he wrecked the visitors with a spell of five for 11 to orchestrate an innings and 23-run victory at Sabina Park.
Taylor has also been good enough to gather a Test century – a stroke-filled 106 off 107 balls against New Zealand in Dunedin four years ago.
Far away from those bright lights of international cricket, the right-armer has been playing for his domestic club St Elizabeth in the Senior Cup championship where he has been slowly finding top form.
He said was keen on letting ” people see that Jerome Taylor is alright again” and was now looking forward to representing Jamaica again.
“My first step is to get to play for Jamaica and I have a lot of passion to do that,” he pointed out.
“I was disappointed that I missed the previous four-day tournament due to injuries and niggles, but I know what needs to be done. Right now I can say that I’m happy with where I am.”
–IANS/CMC
abr/vt