KINGSTON, Jamaica, CMC- FormerWest Indies fast bowler Jerome Taylor says he is still passionate about the game as he makes a claim for a recall to the Jamaica national side after more than two years.
Taylor, who is recovering from a back injury, is one of 44 players currently in training for Jamaica ahead of next month’s Regional Super50 and next February’s Regional Four-Day tournaments.
“The frame of mind remains the same. I am still passionate about the game, and believe I have a lot to offer to Jamaica and West Indies,” Taylor said.
“I am, therefore, looking forward to the challenge of proving my fitness and readiness again.”
Taylor, who last represented West Indies in 2010, and Jamaica in 2011, is seeking to make a comeback from injury after at least two failed attempts. His last attempt saw him representing Jamaica in four-day action in March 2011.
“Coming from injury, you are going to still feel a little niggle here and there. However, I believe I am about 85 per cent where I need to be,” said Taylor who has taken 82 wickets in 29 Test matches at an average of 35.65, and 98 in 66 one-day internationals at 26.82.
“I have done various scans and tests and, to date, they have all come up positive”.
Taylor, whose last competitive international match was in the Bangladesh Premier League last August, said tests have revealed muscle spasms which are being rectified with acupuncture and other forms of therapy.
“Originally it was a back strain, and the thought at the time was my body was not adapting well to the workload I was receiving,” he said.
“Since then, however, as a part of the rehabilitation process, I have been working on areas such as muscle strengthening and muscle memory.”
The 2014 regional Super50, which will be held in Trinidad and Tobago, is set to bowl off on January 30.
“The main aim is to make a return to West Indies duties. However, I am not looking that far at the moment,” said Taylor.
“My focus right now is on putting in the work and bowling well and, hopefully, this will allow me to make the two Jamaican teams.”