West Indian pacer Taylor reverses retirement decision

Less than a year since retiring from Test cricket, former West Indies pacer Jerome Taylor has made himself available for selection in the five-day format as well as the limited overs formats.

Taylor, who had played in 46 Tests for 130 wickets before calling it quits in July last year, on Wednesday said his experience could be handy in grooming the youngsters in the team.

"I believe I still have a lot of cricket left in me and I know I can still offer a lot to West Indies cricket in the Test arena," the 32-year-old Taylor said in a statement from the West Indies Cricket Board (WICB).

"If selected, I will look to put my best foot forward and give my all for the team. We have some young players in the group at the moment and I believe with my experience, I can add to the team going forward."

Taylor, who last played for the Caribbean team in September 2016 in a Twenty20 International against Pakistan in Abu Dhabi, has done well for Jamaica in first-class cricket in recent times.

Welcoming Taylor's decision to come out of retirement, WICB selection committee chairman Courtney Browne said: "It is good to see that Jerome has decided to come out of retirement and make himself available for Tests once again. When you look at the volume of cricket we have this year, we will need to look at all the resources we have available, and having someone of his ability and experience adds value to our player pool."

The return of Taylor will come as a boost to the young side, currently preparing for a three-match Test series against Pakistan at home, starting with the first Test at Sabina Park on April 21.

--IANS

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