'Bad boy' Rose targets West Indies comeback

Jamaican pace bowler Franklyn Rose is determined to shed his 'bad boy' image as he bids to end an 18-month exile from the West Indies team.

Rose, who last played for West Indies in the third Test against England in August 2000, is back in light training following a knee operation which cut short a stint playing in South Africa.

"I do not know why I have been overlooked constantly," Rose told Reuters. "It hurts to see the West Indies team losing so regularly. I know that I am capable of doing my part to make the team perform better.

"I have never faced any disciplinary hearings anywhere, but I am puzzled at what is going on. I keep hearing that I have disciplinary problems, but this is news to me, as no-one has told me anything officially."

Rose was not selected for West Indies tour at the end of 2000 amid suggestions he was not fully committed to the team.

The 29-year-old, who resumed light training at the end of December, said his first target was to regain full fitness by mid-February and force his way back into the Jamaica team.

He hopes to be in contention for a place in the West Indies side for India's visit in March.

Rose, who has played for English county Northamptonshire, has taken 53 wickets in 19 Tests.

"I am at the peak at my career now, much stronger, and with time, will be much fitter," he said. "I feel great and am anxious to show what I can do."

West Indies coach Roger Harper bemoaned the lack of pace bowlers after his team lost their recent Test series in Sri Lanka 3-0.

The West Indies Cricket Board insists players must appear in the Busta Cup, the regional first-class competition, if they want to be considered for the national team.

Mail Cricket Editor