Jamaican sprinter Yohan Blake keen to make a move to cricket

Yohan Blake

Jamaican sprinter Yohan Blake, who was the Gold medalist at the 2011 World Championship,  revealed his proposed shift to cricket after his retirement from track and field.

“I’ve been wanting to play for Yorkshire or in England. After running, I’ll put my mind to that,” the 24-year-old said. 

Yorkshire cricket was more than happy to welcome Blake and tweeted saying: “Let’s get that sorted; come and have a net with us.”

A county spokesperson stated: “At this stage, we’re flattered that Yohan has expressed an interest in being involved and playing with Yorkshire. We’re always on the lookout for fresh talent. Let’s get him in the nets and see what he’s made of.”

The game of cricket is not new to the talented Blake as he plays for the Kingston Cricket Club in his free time when the athletics season is over. Blake, who bowls at 85-90 mph during practice sessions believes that he can be the world’s fastest bowler. 

Blake, who is fondly known as ‘the Beast’, is also a keen football player. He considers himself to have the skills required to play for Manchester United. Apart from Yorkshire Cricket, the Jamaican national football team is also pleased to welcome Blake. Winfried Schaefer, who coaches the football team said that he is interested to use the second fastest man at the 2012 London Olympics.

Blake, who plans to retire at the age of 29, conveyed his love for cricket: “I love cricket more than I love athletics. I practise at home because I have a bowling machine, which I set to 90mph because I like the speed.”

However, it appears that Yohan Blake is in much demand as Australian side Sydney Sixers express their desire of having Blake in their team.

“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,” Sixers’ chief executive Stuart Clark said.

Blake may compete at the Commonwealth Games this summer. He will run in the UK this weekend, where he will be competing in the 150m event at the Great City Games in Manchester.