da esoccer bet： Cricinfo catches up with Jerome Taylor one of the inheritors of a matchlesspace-bowling legacy
Dileep Premachandran at Ahmedabad26-Oct-2006
‘On an individual level, I’d like to be among the top 10 fastbowlers in the world’ © Getty Images
CricinfoHow did it all start for you?
My father introduced me to the game as a youngster. He was a cricketer aswell, and whenever he went for a game, he took me along with him. I’d sitand watch him and his friends, and it became something that I wanted todo. I started playing in primary school and just continued from there.What made you want to bowl quick?
I always liked to see the ‘keeper collecting the ball above his head, andthe ball moving around and creating problems for the batsmen. That was thefirst thing that attracted me.Who were the early heroes?
The first hero was my Dad, as I told you. He was a fast bowler as well.But I’ve always admired Courtney Walsh, Curtley Ambrose and Glenn McGrath.Those guys would be the first to get a mention. Wasim Akram was anotherthat I looked upto.What are your strengths, and where do you think you can still improve?
My strength is swinging the ball, and control.To be honest, I can still improve when it comes to control. And as youplay more games, you learn how to work with the ball more and do morethings.Who are the best batsmen you’ve bowled to?
Brian Lara, in domestic cricket back home. Rahul Dravid, Sachin Tendulkarand Ricky Ponting. They’re more challenging. But I’m one of those who’s willing to take upthat challenge and give it my best shot. If you can trouble guys likeDravid and Sachin, you’re doing something right.What would Jerome Taylor be doing if not for cricket? Did you excel atany other sport as a kid?
In school, I was doing carpentry, so if I wasn’t a cricketer, I’d probablybe doing that. I used to do a bit of track and field, but didn’t continue with it very long.What would you like to accomplish in the future?
It’s important that we live up to the legacy that the past players haveleft behind. On an individual level, I’d like to be among the top 10 fastbowlers in the world.How do you relax once you leave the stadium behind?
Away from cricket, I spend time with the boys, listening to music andgoing out. Maybe a party here and there.