Fidel: I had to put in a big effort
West Indies pacer Fidel Edwards who picked up a sixth career five wicket haul in the opening Digicel Test against Australia at Sabina Park said that missing main fast bowler Jerome Taylor in the final eleven to a back injury meant he had to put in an extra effort for the team."Taylor was a big miss and also Chris (Gayle) and going in (the Test match) without him I thought I really had to put in a big effort not for myself but for the team," Edwards told reporters at the end of the second day's play when he picked up 5 for 104 from 26.5 overs.
"The Australians have a lot of good batters and I had to put in the extra effort to get the guys out," the right arm quick who hustled the batsmen with fiery pace further explained.
"The skipper wants you to do the job and you always find yourself giving a bigger effort as the main strike bowler in the team," said the 26 year old who made his debut at Sabina Park in 2003 against Sri Lanka when he picked up a five wicket haul.
He said he was striving to work toward the team's game plan.
"I thought I bowled most of my balls in the right areas and that's what the coach has been asking for," said Edwards, adding that he was happy with his pace and rhythm which he views as an important aspect of his success as a fast bowler.
"I try to focus on my rhythm a lot, if my rhythm is off I bowl the ball all over the place. I tried to work on my rhythm during the last series and it worked for me," Edwards explained.
And despite losing three wickets in the final session Edwards thought that the home team had the better of the second day.
"We had the better of today, the way we bowled out Australia and we have 115 for three wickets so hopefully we can build on that tomorrow," Edwards said.