From track to fielder as Blake dreams of running in at Headingley
Johan Blake’s Yorkshire dream
HE IS famed as one of the fastest men of all time and is known as “The Beast” to those who love athletics.
However, Jamaican sprinter Yohan Blake is setting his sights on playing cricket for Yorkshire when he hangs up his spikes.
The 24-year-old Olympic silver medallist over 100 and 200 metres claimed he is already good enough to play for England and said that, when he finishes with sprinting, he wants to ply his trade at Headingley.
Away from the track, Blake is a fast bowler of some repute, having reportedly taken four wickets for 10 runs while playing for Kingston Cricket Club.
He said he has tentatively pencilled in another five years of athletics before looking to switch from the running tracks of the Caribbean to the hallowed turf of Headingley.
Speaking about his cricketing ability, he joked on BBC Radio Five: “I’m OK, you know – I can make the England team.
“I’m good in the outfield so they would probably pick me for that as well.”
Asked whether he would seriously consider turning his hand to playing cricket after his athletics career, he replied: “Yes, definitely. I’ve been wanting to play for Yorkshire or in England so, after running, definitely I’ll put my mind to that.”
Yorkshire were quick to respond, expressing their interest in working with the athlete in a tweet that said: “Hey @YohanBlake you’re always welcome to come and play for Yorkshire.
“Let’s get this sorted and come and have a net with us.”
Blake claimed initial talks had already taken place, saying: “We have some talks with some of the people (at Yorkshire) and we are looking forward for it.”
On when it would happen, he replied: “Well, probably like when I’m 29 I’ll come off the track and field.”
In the more immediate future, Blake will be in more familiar surroundings this summer as he looks to add to his athletics medal collection in Glasgow. “I’m going to compete in Glasgow on July 11 for the Diamond League, so why not?” he said when asked whether he wanted to compete at the Commonwealth Games.
“Probably the 200 metres. I’m not sure, but I’ll run one of them.
“I will make a decision much closer to the time.”
THE SECOND fastest man on the planet behind his compatriot Usain Bolt, Jamaican sprinter Johan Blake, would certainly cut a dash on the outfield of Headingley Carnegie if he fulfilled his dream of playing for Yorkshire.
He may not have the rhythmical action of his fellow countryman Michael Holding – the fast bowler christened as ‘Whispering Death’ by Yorkshire president Dickie Bird – but Blake’s speed in the field could be an asset in the helter-skelter of Twenty20.
Running between the wickets could be entertaining; Blake could even be too fast for those batsmen like Joe Root who have terrier-like pace. At least Geoffrey Boycott wouldn’t be at the other end; a run out would be inevitable and it wouldn’t be the Jamaican making a long, and slightly sheepish, walk back to the pavilion.
Joking apart, the club should be proud that Yohan Blake wants to join its ranks – further proof, if any was needed, that Yorkshire County Cricket Club is still a global brand with a following to match.