West Indian fast bowler Fidel Edwards has stated that he is raring to go and make a mark in the longest format of the game after he was shortlisted for the first Test match squad against Pakistan. The right-arm pace bowler, who was touted as one of the fastest in modern cricket when he first made an entry at the highest level some eight years ago, thinks that he has the firepower left in him which can last him a few years yet.
Edwards has had an injury plagued career which has limited his test appearances in eight years to a mere 43, in which he has a tally of 122 wickets at slightly less than 40 runs per wicket. His figures remain unflattering yet there is no denying the fact that he has tremendous pace and had the ability to rattle the batsman with searing bouncers and yorkers that used to make the batsmen duck and hop for cover. He also impressed in the One Day International format claiming 60 wickets, however he has thus far played only 60 games.
Edwards was not part of the ICC World Cup 2011 team that was sent packing in the quarter-finals of the tournament, he was also axed for the ODI series against Pakistan, yet it seems that he has made an impression on the regional selection panel that have decided to induct him in the team for the two Test match series that starts in Guyana on May 12. Edwards spoke to media ahead of the practice game between the probable for the Test, he said that his come-back has made him happy and he would go all out to deliver a consistent performance.
“I’m very happy to be back,” Edwards said. “I spent a long time out but I’ve made a full recovery and my body is ready to play five-day cricket again. I did a lot of good work with my trainer and the physio in Barbados and they were tremendous help to me during my comeback period.” He added that he was happy with the performance that he gave for his native Barbados in the first class tournament in the Caribbean, he claims that he is in good bowling rhythm and that will hold him in good stead when the series commences at the Providence.
Edwards, who impressed with a five wicket haul the last time he played Pakistan in a Test some five years ago, added that he is really looking forward to the match-up. He feels that the series against Pakistan is a good place to start as he remains focused and is looking to stay fit and strong. The fiery pacer added that he wants to take wickets and help the West Indies to success, for him the series has a lot to offer and he has a lot to play for and prove his detractors wrong.
The two Test match series meanwhile is set to be exciting between two mediocre Test teams who have had little success in the format in recent years. Pakistan though did record a series win over New Zealand at the start of the year and under Misbah-ul-Haq they will be hoping to further their progress in the format. Tagged in: cricket, T20, ODI, PCB, West Indies cricket, Test Match, West Indies Cricket Board, WICB, Cricket Update, cricket news, Fidel Edwards, Pakistan tour to West Indies 201.
