Accordingly speedster Oshane Thomas is “overweight” and needs to work harder on his fitness to maintain pace and prolong his international career, feels former pacer Franklyn Rose. Rose, who took 53 wickets in 19 Tests and 29 scalps in 27 ODIs between 1997 and 2000, said he is concerned about the fitness of Thomas, who is currently in england for next month’s three-Test series. “I am a bit concerned because he looks overweight to me. I never met the guy, but I know he has a lot of talent, and that’s why the Windies have taken him to england on tour. But he needs to keep working hard and be hungrier for success,” Rose was quoted as saying by ‘Jamaica gleaner’.
The 23 year old Thomas is yet to play a Test but he has captured 27 wickets in 20 ODIs and 15 wickets in 12 T20Is. He took just two wickets in two innings in the west indies inter-squad practice match at Old Trafford. Thomas’ ability to bowl over 90 miles per hour catapulted him to the west indies set-up but Rose doubted if he will be able to maintain his pace.
Reportedly “I can see that he has a lot of talent, and let me be clear, this is not about bashing Oshane Thomas. It is about helping him to achieve his optimum in cricket. Rose, however, admitted that he was a “lazy cricketer” during his career. He said “I was a lazy cricketer, and I realized later on that it’s all about hard work”. The three Test series, which will resume international cricket after coronavirus hiatus, will begin with the opening game at Ageas Bowl, Southampton on July 8.
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