Cricket: Blake could join Bolt in Big Bash

The Jamaican duo could be set to feature for Australian Big Bash League sides. PHOTO: AFP

SYDNEY: Yohan Blake could join 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 it clear he wanted to turn out for the Melbourne Stars. Like Bolt, Blake is from Jamaica and cricket-mad, and the 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 his 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,” said Bolt. “So we will see if I get the time off. I will try.”

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. Cricket, that’s my love, that’s my passion.”

Published in The Express Tribune, August 17^th, 2012.