“Cornwall is our most potent spinner,” says Roger Harper
When the Test squad and list of reserves was announced for the England tour, a lot of individuals had questioned the omission of Veerasammy Permaul, the Guyanese who consistently dominates Regional First-Class cricket.
The WI Test squad and list of reserves for the New Zealand tour was recently announced, and Permaul has still not been selected. From all indications, the West Indies Selection Panel has kept faith with Rahkeen Cornwall and Roston Chase.
West Indies’ Rahkeem Cornwall (R) delivers a ball during the third day of the only cricket Test match between Afghanistan and West Indies at the Ekana Cricket Stadium in Lucknow on November 29, 2019. (Photo by Rohit UMRAO / AFP)
On the most recent Mason and Guest radio programme, Lead selector Roger Harper disclosed that Cornwall is regarded as the most potent spinner in the West Indies.
It is evident that conditions in New Zealand will not favour spinners, as had obtained in England, but Cornwall is in that squad as spinner, along with all-rounder Roston Chase, who is tipped to play in both Tests.
After Cornwall had had an underwhelming last Test in England, Harper had made this disclosure: Given the right conditions, the Selection Panel strongly believes that Cornwall is the most potent spinner.
“…as displayed when he had the track to bowl against Afghanistan, so he was chosen because of that. While it might be similar to what Chase does, we still believe he is our most potent spinner,” Harper explained.
The lead selector has said that, if opportunity presents itself, Cornwall will have the opportunity to exploit conditions.
Fondly called “Jimbo” by the team, the 27-year-old Cornwall has thus far claimed 13 wickets in three Test matches, but had failed to have a significant impact in England, where the team lost the series 2-1 to their hosts.
Cornwall was added to the bowling line-up for the third Test in England, and his 27-ball spell had produced 85 runs without reaping a wicket.
Cornwall is, nevertheless, anticipating an improved performance in New Zealand. In his interview with the local Antigua Observer publication earlier this week, he said: “I think I am prepared for the tour. I think that this one either makes me or breaks me. I think it’s about time I show what I am worth on the international scene. I do have a ten-wicket haul in Test cricket, but I need to show a little bit more in terms of starting to get my performance together and make sure this New Zealand tour counts.”
Cornwall’s best Test match figures – 10 for 121 – came against Afghanistan. Before that, he had captured two wickets against India on his debut. In 63 First-Class matches, Cornwall has produced an impressive 303 wickets at 24.11, with 19 five-wicket hauls and four ten-wicket hauls, and a best bowling figure of 8-51 along with a best match haul of 12/205. (Brandon Corlette)
