When a 39-year-old fast bowler runs into one of the most explosive batsmen in the current lot only to disturb him with 150 KMPH deliveries, one can only repeat that ‘age is just a number’. Fidel Edwards, who last wore West Indies’ maroon in 2012 wore the spotlight when he troubled Nicholas Pooran with his pace, ultimately claiming the Northern Warriors skipper’s wicket in the finals of the Abu Dhabi T10 league at the Sheikh Zayed Stadium.
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When his team – Delhi Bulls – folded for a mere 81 in the first innings, Edwards ran in to dismiss the player of the tournament in his first over.
Coming into bowl the second over of the innings, Edwards started with a tummy lined ball. The shot was defended by Pooran. Pushing the young West Indian further back, Edwards followed with a nasty bouncer. That went for a four via leg-byes aka Pooran’s helmet. Nicholas picked the next ball from his pads to dispatch for a humongous six.
The battle was getting even more heated. However, with couple stingy body hits, Edwards made sure Pooran wasn’t expecting an absolute plumb on the pads. It was the last delivery and the pacer chose a speed of 150 KMPH. He decided to go inswinging and strike the pads. Pooran was dismissed for 12 runs.
However, the target of 82 never seemed enough as the Northern Warriors. They were riding on Waseem Muhammad’s 27 off 22 balls. The opposition crossed the finish line with 10 balls to spare. It was an easy game for them, but Edwards did his thing. Even in a bitter loss to Dwayne Bravo’s Bull, Fidel Edwards emerged as a star. It showed that he is ready to take on players at the highest level.
Fidel Edwards talks about his potential return to ESPN CricInfo:
Only last week he had expressed a wish to make an international return. He also wants to play in the Indian Premier League. The player represented the Deccan Chargers back in 2009. He was part of the team winning the trophy with Adam Gilchrist’s side.
“I have made myself available for West Indies. have spoken to Kieron Pollard and Phil Simmons and let them know that, if there’s any opportunity, I am ready. Training has always been a big part of my game but, in the last 18 months or so, I have changed what I do and I Am the fittest I Have ever felt.”
Edward, who was supposed to represent English County Hampshire for the entire season made himself available owing to the end of Kolpak as UK exited from the European Union.
“I have had my time in England and now I’ve made myself available to represent West Indies again. think I did pretty well in the CPL and I am keeping my fingers crossed. enjoyed my time at Hampshire, but that was a big part of me not playing in the IPL. But now I am not with them, my aim is to put my name back out there and hopefully get another chance to play. Anything is possible.”
“Still love the game. And I am still doing what I do best: bowling quickly and taking wickets. You never know what can happen. But if the opportunity comes, I will be ready.”