Published: May 16, 2014, 08:24 PM (IST)
Edited: May 16, 2014, 08:24 PM (IST)
London: May 16, 2014
Jamaican sprinter Yohan Blake revealed on Friday that he would like to play for English County cricket team Yorkshire when he ends his athletics career.
“I’m OK, you know. I can make the England team,” the 24-year-old double Olympic silver medalist joked on BBC Radio 5 Live. “I’m good in the outfield, so they would probably pick me for that as well.”
Asked if he was serious about swapping the track for the crease, he added: “Yes, definitely. I’ve been wanting to play for Yorkshire or in England so, after running, definitely I’ll put my mind to that.”
He went on to claim that talks had already taken place, saying: “We have some talks with some of the people [at Yorkshire] and we are looking forward for it.”
Asked when he foresaw himself joining Yorkshire, he said: “Well, probably like when I’m 29, I’ll come off the track and field.”
Yorkshire welcomed Blake’s interest, tweeting via their official account: “Hey @YohanBlake you’re always welcome to come and play for Yorkshire. Let’s get this sorted and come and have a net with us.”
They also tweeted the following:
Come and have net with us @YohanBlake what are you waiting for! http://t.co/vLoR5l75s0 #YCCC pic.twitter.com/3bNRVbwBco
— Yorkshire CCC (@Yorkshireccc) May 16, 2014
Blake was a keen cricketer as a youth and reportedly only turned to sprinting after one of his teachers noticed how quickly he ran when he came in to bowl.
He is now the second-fastest man of all time over both 100 and 200 metres and won two silver medals and a gold in the 4x100m relay during the 2012 London Olympics. Compatriot Usain Bolt is the fastest man over both 100 and 200 metres.
