Fast bowler Fidel Edwards is not only making himself available to play for the West Indies senior team, but he is also open to playing for Barbados should the opportunity present itself. In fact, he says he had not played previously because he had not been selected.
The 39-year-old who last played for the West Indies in 2013 said it is up to the Barbados selectors to give him a chance to perform. He noted that he has always informed them of his availability.
Edwards’ comments came shortly after news broke that the pacer had informed Cricket West Indies captain Keiron Pollard and coach Phil Simmons about his desire to represent the men in maroon.
“I will always take up the opportunity to represent Barbados in any format. I have never denied the fact that I would play for Barbados. Even when I was playing for Hampshire I have always put myself in a position to play for Barbados. I have told the selectors so on many occasions but it was their choice not to pick me. I can’t control that but if there is any chance I can represent Barbados I would take it,” he said.
While many may look at his age and question his ability to perform, Edwards feels otherwise. In fact, he believes it is always good to have the right blend of youth mixed with experience in any team.
“I am very realistic and yes people do look at age in any sport. But for me if a guy can still perform at his highest I don’t think you should consider his age. There are people half my age that can’t do the things that I do. Age should not matter when it comes to performance.
“It is always good to get the right blend if you have youth with experienced players that can do the job. I believe if you are a selector you should pick the best team possible to represent West Indies cricket,” Edwards explained.
While Edwards is confident in his ability to deliver, he is not interested in playing all three formats.
“I am always confident once I’m fit. I also trust in my ability to go out there and perform at any given time. Honestly, I can’t say I’m interested in playing all three formats. That wouldn’t prolong my career and I can’t say I’m getting any younger so for me it is just to concentrate on one format right now.
“I haven’t played much red ball cricket over the last year and a half. So, for me it is just to concentrate on white ball cricket and see where that takes me,” Edwards said.
It is no secret that in the past Edwards’ career was plagued by injuries. Particularly a devastating ankle injury that took him an entire year to recover. But the right-hander said he feels more fitter than ever before.
“I have had a lot of injuries throughout my career. A lot of career threatening injuries. But since then I have tried to concentrate a lot more on my fitness. I have a personal trainer Stevenson Belle. He works with me five days a week to keep up my strength.
“When I have a chance I do a lot of running, so that anytime something does pop up I am always ready. So, basically training for me is more important than just going out there and being unprepared as a fast bowler,” he explained to Barbados TODAY.
Former Barbados and England cricketer Roland Butcher believes that Edwards still has something to offer West Indies cricket. According to Butcher, age is nothing but a number.
“Fidel would have looked at what is available and feel that even at his advance age for a fast bowler that he can still compete. And that is commendable that someone who has lasted for so long and bowling still at a lively pace feels that he has a role to play.
“I mean age is very much but a number and if the West Indies had some fantastic fast bowlers of the likes of Roberts, Garner, Croft, Ambrose, Marshall now, then it would be much more difficult for someone like Fidel to get back. But obviously we are not blessed with those quality bowlers at this point in time.
“If he puts his hat in the ring obviously there are things he has to do. He has to get back into playing club cricket, doing well, getting into the trials and doing well. Getting back into sides and it doesn’t have to be the Barbados side because these days you can play in any of the franchise teams,” Butcher said.
He added: “And once he performs, I am sure his name will pretty much be in the hat. I don’t think at this point he has a fitness issue. He is in good shape and always keeps himself in good shape. He is not overweight or anything.
“Some people may want to look at his age but if he is going to perform better than the younger ones, then he would get himself back in the frame.”
(morissalindsay@barbadostoday.bb)
