Jayden Seales aspires to be number one in Test cricket
What's the story
West Indies fast bowler Jayden Seales has opened up about his aspirations in Test cricket. The 24-year-old cricketer, who made his international debut at the age of 19, said he wants to "build my name" and "a legacy." He also expressed his desire to be the number one player in Test cricket. Seales made headlines in 2022 when he became the youngest West Indian bowler to take a five-wicket haul in Tests.
Overcoming challenges
The toughest phase of his career
In a conversation with The Cricket Monthly from ESPNcricinfo, Seales also spoke about the toughest phase of his career, which was when he had to undergo knee surgery in 2022. He recalled being "upset" and "confused" after learning that he would be out for six months. The cricketer spent seven weeks on crutches, followed by four-and-a-half months of therapy. "I felt like I would've gotten a lot better faster and probably done better back then," he stated.
Cricket lineage
Seales's debut match and family background
Seales made his Test debut against South Africa in June 2021. He revealed that he was initially anxious about the match but was calmed by West Indies captain Kraigg Brathwaite who didn't give him the new ball. Notably, Seales comes from a cricketing family with his grandfather, uncles, and father all having played the sport at various levels.
Aspirations
Seales aspires to be the best
Seales, who has taken 88 Test wickets at a stellar average of 22.33, is determined to sign off as one of the best West Indies bowlers. "I would keep working on, keep getting better in my game to end up one day as No. 1 in the world and to be in that conversation with the West Indies legends and to leave a good legacy for myself when I'm finished."
Bowling technique
His bowling action and inspiration
Seales's bowling action is characterized by an 84-foot run-up and a rhythm-based approach. He doesn't generate much air speed but generates pace off the pitch, which sometimes results in awkward bounce. The cricketer was influenced by his father who showed him old clips of West Indies cricket legends like Sir Curtly Ambrose and Courtney Walsh.
Career milestones
Other notable achievements of Seales
Seales's first five-wicket haul came against Pakistan in Jamaica. He took three wickets in the first innings but had an expensive outing with an economy rate of 4.37. The cricketer is currently ranked 12th in ICC Test bowling rankings. Seales has multi-year contracts with Cricket West Indies, indicating his commitment to Test cricket despite the lure of T20 leagues.