Port of Spain: If there is something that has defined West Indies Cricket over the years, its been their lethal fast bowling.
Recent times have seen a big decline in the standards of fast bowlers coming out of the West Indies but there is still hope for the future.
The ODI series against India saw two young pacers making life tough for the famed Indian batting lineup.
Fidel Edwards and Jerome Taylor, 24 and 21 years old respectively, share more than just the new ball these days for the West Indies.
They also share a close friendship which has blossomed in recent times in a dressing room that has lot to celebrate after the recent win over India in the One-Dayers.
"When I grew up watching television, I always wanted to be a West Indian fast bowler. I wanted to open with the new ball and it happened a couple a years ago. I am very happy that it happened," Edwards says.
"Well to be honest as Fidel rightfully said watching television and seeing the fast bowlers of the past operating, I wanted to be in that bracket. I wanted to operate with someone who could be as devastating as the players of the past. I am really happy to be here and to work with Fidel and other players. It is a pleasure," Jerome says.
Edwards made his test debut when Brian Lara picked him after seeing him bowl in the nets. He had played just one match for Barbados till then
His figures in both both forms of the game have been modest since making the debut in 2003 but he does have lofty ambitions for the future.
"Personally I want to stay as fit as possible. There is a lot of cricket coming up and the World Cup is also there. I would love to be in the squad for the World Cup. We have had some great bowlers in the past and I also want to be the best," Edwards says.
Jerome Taylor, too, was called into the team after just one match for Jamaica in 2003.
After a spectacular debut season a back injury kept him out of the team but now he has regained full fitness and is keen to emulate the great fast bowlers of the past whom he counts as heroes.
But it is not all about cricket in the current West Indies team as Edwards and Taylor do find the time to have some fun.
"People say we are like a family. When we are not playing then we got out for shopping and sometimes have drinks," Edwards adds.
Brian Lara is keen to build a West Indies team that can live up to the legacy of their past and Edwards and Young are going to be key building blocks in that quest.
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