Windies' Walsh to carry on Down Under

13 April 2012

West Indies legend Courtney Walsh looks set to put aside thoughts of retirement by touring Australia this winter.  

The 37-year-old, who made his Test debut back in 1984, had been tipped to hang up his boots alongside pace partner Curtly Ambrose after this summer's disastrous tour of England.

But the challenge of becoming the first bowler to claim 500 Test wickets is expected to spur him on as the Calypso Kings seek to redeem their reputation with five Tests Down Under.

Walsh, who was nicknamed 'Duracell' during his time at Gloucestershire because of his amazing work rate, has already taken 483 wickets in 122 Tests to move 49 clear of previous record holder Kapil Dev of India.

West Indies chairman of selectors Mike Findlay told the Sydney Morning Herald: "We had a discussion on the telephone and he informed me he would be available to tour Australia.

"Now the selectors have to meet on Monday and come up with touring squad.

"Courtney is yet to tell us if he will be available for one-day games as well as Tests, but we'll talk about that in the not too distant future.

"He has given a lot of service to West Indies cricket over the years, and we are happy with his decision to play.

"We feel we have already started on the re-building of the team, the process is under way.

"Now it's a matter of looking at the results and performances in England and putting a side together.

"Obviously, with a guy as experienced as Courtney making himself available, we are confident of putting together a strong team."

Walsh was one of the few success stories on the tour of England, collecting 34 wickets at an average of 12.82.

"He is still a force," added Findlay. "His recent efforts speak for themself.

"He is also a great presence to have around the younger guys, and his knowledge and experience are invaluable."

The news will strike fear into the heart of under-fire Australian batsman Mark Waugh, who has been dismissed 11 times by Walsh to become his fourth most popular target behind Michael Atherton (17).

Findlay also confirmed that the squad to tour Australia would be captained by Jimmy Adams, despite the Jamaican coming in for criticism for his performances in the field this summer.

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