Fiery Fidel ready to lead Tallawahs

He was one of the quickest fast bowlers to grace the stage for the West Indies back in the early 2000s, but now, at 38, Fidel Edwards is an older, wiser fast bowler, and he will be charged with spearheading the Jamaica Tallawahs’ attack.

Edwards and the Tallawahs bow into action today in the Caribbean Premier League (CPL) against his old team, the St Lucia Zouks, in match number three at the Brian Lara Cricket Academy at 9 a.m. Jamaica time.

The matchup features teams that finished fifth and sixth last season and both franchises are gunning to put the disappointment of the last campaign behind them with a win in their opening fixture.

For Edwards, a return to the CPL after a four-year absence is overdue, and the Barbadian speedster told The Gleaner that fans can expect the same old fiery Fidel with a lot of experience intertwined.

“I am really happy to be back with the Tallawahs, and it’s good to just be able to get on the park once again. My job with the team is simply to get wickets and I intend to do that to the best of my ability,” said Edwards.

The last time Edwards played a competitive game in the Caribbean was back in 2017 when he toured the region with English county side Hampshire, which took part in the Super50 competition.

NEW START

Last year, Jamaica Tallawahs captain Chris Gayle had reached out to Edwards to play in the CPL; however, due to his county commitments, he was unable to take up the invitation.

This time around the speedster, who has represented Deccan Chargers and Rajasthan Royals in the Indian Premier League, is keen to help the Tallawahs get over their forgettable 2019 season.

“You have to put last year behind you, because this year is a different year with a different team and coaching staff, and it’s a new start for everyone. It’s going to be all about consistency and playing smart cricket and once we do that, we will be successful. The main aim is to win this tournament, and everyone seem to be up for it,” added Edwards.

Also today, the Guyana Amazon Warrior, who lost to the Trinbago Knight Riders by four wickets in the tournament’s opening match yesterday, will play the St Kitts and Nevis Patriots at 4:30 p.m. at the same venue.