West Indies fast bowler, Jerome Taylor. - Junior Dowie/Staff Photographer
KINGSTON (CMC):
JEROME TAYLOR has identified West Indies' most successful Test fast bowler Courtney Walsh and current seamer Corey Collymore as inspirational personalities in his brief cricketing career.
Following his first-ever five-wicket haul in a Test on the opening day of the fourth and final match against India at Sabina Park on Friday, Taylor told reporters that he has received vital technical tips from fellow Jamaican Walsh, and Barbadian Collymore, who is viewed by many as currently the best bowler in the side.
ALWAYS THERE FOR ME
"I always talk with Corey. He is always there for me and whenever we are training, we always try to sort out our faults and how best we can work them out," the 22-year-old Taylor said.
"Courtney Walsh, I must say a big thank you to him as well because he has been there for me. He has been like a mentor to me." he added.
Walsh, 43, a former West Indies captain, took 519 wickets in 125 Tests and was at one time the world's leading Test wicket-taker. He was among the small but vocal crowd who watched Taylor undermine the India
batsmen with five for 50 off 18.4 overs.
Like Taylor, who is in his seventh Test, Collymore has battled with injuries since his international career started in 1999, but with 68 wickets at 31.67 runs each in 22 Tests prior to the current match, he boasts the best average among the West Indies bowlers. And he is usually referred to as "the best bowler in the team" by captain Brian Lara.
FITNESS LEVEL IMPROVED
Taylor said his fitness level had improved significantly and he was prepared to show his mettle in the face of weariness and even if pitches were not favourable to pace bowling.
"Whichever surface, when you are bowling you will feel tired, but at the end of the day if the skipper asks for you to come back and give him a big effort, you must step up to the plate and do what is required," Taylor said.
"To be honest, I am stronger and I am fitter, both mentally and physically, and I think I still have a far way to go, so I still have to keep on improving on my fitness and strength. You have to get in the gym, get your body in the right frame." he said.
