Blake to miss National Trials
Two injured in Melrose Hill crash 6:50 PM
Matalon resigns as CTL chairman 5:23 PM
Chrysler agrees to recall 2.7m Jeep SUVs 5:16 PM
Patron attacks Capleton on stage during US show 5:03 PM
Two firearms seized at Portmore Fishing village 4:23 PM
Sport
Blake could join Bolt in Australia Twenty20
Thursday, August 16, 2012 | 11:43 AM
SYDNEY, Australia — Yohan Blake could join fellow Olympic sprint sensation Usain Bolt in Australia's domestic Twenty20 Big Bash League, in a showdown between the world's two fastest men on the cricket field.
The Sydney Sixers franchise are hoping to lure him for the December tournament, after Bolt made clear he wanted to turn out for the Melbourne Stars.
Like Bolt, Blake is cricket-mad, and Sixers chief executive Stuart Clark said he was keen on setting up a clash between the close friends.
"For one he is a great athlete, and yes he would be a marketer's dream, but from all reports he can actually play cricket and that's better than anything else," Clark told the Sydney Daily Telegraph.
"If he can do what he says he can do, and I have no reason to disbelieve him, Yohan would be a marquee player for me to sign. I would definitely be considering it."
Earlier this week, Shane Warne revealed he was leading a campaign to bring Bolt to Melbourne, with negotiations under way with the Melbourne Stars, the Australian former Test leg-spinner's club.
Bolt played junior cricket before turning to the track and has long voiced a love for the game.
"Warne contacted me and asked me about if I am serious and if I really want to do it, then he can put in a few words that should get it done," Bolt told Australian television.
"So we will see if I get the time off. I will try."
Cricket is hugely popular in the West Indies with Jamaica one of its strongest teams, producing greats such as Michael Holding, Courtney Walsh and Chris Gayle.
According to the Telegraph, Blake, who took silver in the Olympic 100m and 200m events behind Bolt, says he is "a bowling machine".
"You guys need to see me in action. I am a bowling machine that can bat all day," he reportedly said during the Olympics. "Cricket, that's my love, that's my passion."
Clark said: "I will need to see some footage of him bowling, but he has been saying he can bowl 90 miles per hour.
Very few people in the world can do that".
"Usain Bolt is a great showman and entertainer, but he can't play cricket as far as I'm aware, to the standard necessary. Yohan Blake can, it seems."
The newspaper said Australian agent Tony Connelly was brokering the deal between Blake and the eight-team Big Bash, which was launched last year to attract a new youthful audience to cricket.
The season, where each side tries to blast as many runs as possible in a maximum of 20 overs, gets under way on December seven with the final
on January 19.
Other Stories
VCB suspended from competition
Gayle's double ton propels Kensingston to big win
O’Hara expects to run faster at World Youth Champs
Bravo refuses to blame umpires, Pollard for Windies expulsion
Dwayne Smith to lead West Indies A in T20s
St Francis pip Torrington for INSPORTS Basic Schools Champs
Hydel face St James in prep school cricket semi-final
JC cop ISSA Under-14 basketball title
Defending champions falter in Wray & Nephew Masters T/20 cricket
Veronica Campbell-Brown responds to drug charges
5 things to watch for in tonight’s Game 6 of NBA Finals
Cameron meets with PMs Dr Gonsalves, Dr Mitchell
Sri Lankans barge into Champions Trophy semis
India name unchanged squad for Caribbean tri-series
Super Eagles soar over outclassed Tahiti
Coach rues New Zealand's exit from Champions Trophy
Sadly, we've been down this road before
Juniors end Trials with world-leading performances
Murray crowned king of Queen's Club


