By Anthony Foster, Freelance Writer
Taylor
FAST BOWLER Jerome Taylor is in the West Indies squad for the third and final Cable & Wireless One-day international against Sri Lanka in St. Vincent and the Grenadines tomorrow.
The 18-year-old Taylor, a student of St. Elizabeth Technical High school, replaces Mervyn Dillon in the 15-man squad.
The squad: Brian Lara - captain, Ramnaresh Sarwan - vice-captain, Chris Gayle, Wavell Hinds, Devon Smith, Marlon Samuels, Ricardo Powell, Ryan Hurley, Dave Bernard, Omari Banks, Ridley Jacobs, Vasbert Drakes, Corey Collymore, Daren Powell, Jerome Taylor.
Taylor, who has played six first-class matches and has taken 21 wickets at an average of 20.14, was impressive during this year's Carib Beer Series and was at his best against Trinidad and Tobago at Queen's Park Oval when he took eight wickets for 59 runs in the second innings for a match haul of 10 for 81.
He also bowled economically for the Shell Academy X1 against the touring Sri Lankans in Grenada last Wednesday when he took one wicket while conceding 39 runs off his 10 overs.
"I am elated over Taylor's inclusion," said STETHS and national Under 19 coach Junior Bennett yesterday. "He is a youngster who works extremely hard on his game, and is also a very disciplined person."
According to Bennett, the young man who went from Aberdeen All Age to STETHS is clever, he understands the game, he can work out batsmen, and just as important, he is patient.
"What I like about him is his work ethic. It is extremely good," Bennett said.
Bennett said between 2000 and 2001 Taylor has improved tremendously, "and you could see it match after match in his performances".
"I am very proud of Jerome. I am very happy for him," said Dorothy Samuda, principal of STETHS, yesterday.
"He deserves it, he is a hard working person, and he has been doing very well. I trust that if he plays on Wednesday he will make not only his school, but also his country proud."
