Taylor eyeing 100 wickets as deciding test looms

BRIDGETOWN, Barbados, CMC– Jamaican fast bowler Jerome Taylor, who has been riding the waves of a triumphant return to international cricket, is eyeing a significant milestone when West Indies play New Zealand in the third and deciding test match starting in Barbados tomorrow.

Taylor who enters the match at Kensington oval with 92 wickets says he has his eyes set on the magical 100 milestone.

“When I started the series I was thinking about it (100 wickets). I was thinking that if I bowled well enough I would get pretty close,” said Taylor.

 Jerome Taylor
Jerome Taylor

“It would be good to get eight wickets or more…not just for me but for the team. That would be something special and truly satisfying as I look to bigger and better things ahead.”

Taylor, who turns 30, has been  the most impressive bowler in the ongoing Test series between West Indies and New Zealand.

So far he has taken 10 wickets at the impressive average of 17.20 runs per wickets. “I’m focussed on winning. I always focus on winning. I play to win,” he said. “Every time I step out onto the park I try to make an impact and try to bowl the team to victory. It doesn’t always work that way but hard work pays off and I know once I work hard I will get reward.”

Taylor has been brilliant since his return to the regional stage earlier this year. He was among the leading bowlers in the NAGICO Super50 tournament as well as in the WICB Regional 4Day tournament.

“I want to continue to stay fit and stay on the park…to represent the West Indies for as long as I can and do well for the people of the West Indies, I’m delighted,” said Taylor.

“I’m happy with the way I’m bowling but there is always room for improvement. I’m up for it in this Test match as I was in Jamaica and Trinidad. I’m feeling really great in mind, body and soul.”