‘Making his way to the field from Antigua and Barbuda. Standing at 6'6'' and weighing in at 308 pounds.’ A rescript like this might very well excite WWE’s Vince McMahon for his pay-per-view events, but unfortunately for him and the wrestling fans alike, this particular 6’6” beast is all set to take on India when West Indies begin their conquest of the World Test Championship from August 22.
Windies, on Saturday, announced their Test squad for the home series against Virat Kohli’s men, and while there was disappointment over Chris Gayle’s omission, eyebrows were raised when a certain Rahkeem Cornwall was named into the team, with the sole reason being his beast-like stature.
Cornwall!!!!
— Jofra Archer (@JofraArcher) January 20, 2015
An all-rounder from the islands of Antigua, Cornwall’s first act of demolition ironically came against India in 2017 where he picked five wickets, with the likes of Cheteshwar Pujara, Virat Kohli and Ajinkya Rahane falling down as his victim.
The talent is there for sure. However, at 140 kg, questions have been raised over his fitness, leading to the suggestion that he might not be as successful in the sport as he would hope for. His consistency in the first-class cricket though has been an answer to all the criticism. Having made his first-class debut in 2014, the 26-year-old has scored 2224 runs at an average of 24.43 in 55 first-class games. In terms of bowling, he has scalped 260 wickets, which includes 17 five-wicket hauls, at an impressive average of 23.60.
Despite being so huge and 158KG fella, Rahkeem Cornwall has played some glorious knock in the past. pic.twitter.com/Te7LNldhSE
— Mufaddal Vohra (@mufaddal_333) August 10, 2019
"Rahkeem has been performing consistently over a long period of time and has proven to be a match-winner, so we believe his elevation to the Test squad is merited at this time," said the interim chief selector of the Windies cricket board, Robert Haynes.
"We believe he can provide an attacking option to our bowling attack with his sharp turn and extra bounce. He can also lend a bit of depth to the batting, so we are looking forward to him coming into the squad and making a valuable contribution."
Back during the 2017 edition of the Caribbean Premier League, Cornwall, then playing for St. Lucia Stars, was involved in an on-field squabble with Kieron Pollard. Having scored 78 in just 44 deliveries, the all-rounder was hit by Pollard on the stomach. Unable to carry on, the 26-year-old retired hurt and Pollard believed he is doing so because of fatigue.
Able to clear the rope with ease, Cornwall is a typical Windies hard hitter. Little technique, hardly any foot movement, but deliver a ball in his area and you will be punished. The all-rounder, of late, has been a part of West Indies A team, which locked horns with India A. Arriving in the middle order, the 26-year-old scored two half-centuries and picked four wickets.
Feature image courtesy: AFP / Jewel Samad
