Bravo defends Taylor in commitment controversy

MELBOURNE, Australia, (CMC):

All-rounder Dwayne Bravo has thrown his support behind West Indies teammate Jerome Taylor, whose perceived lack of commitment has come under fire following the two-day tour match against Victoria XI last week.

While fielding on the second day of the tour game in Geelong, Taylor missed a catch after he had his back turned to the action, while he appeared to be leaning over the boundary fence.

He subsequently came under fire from Australian media for his lack of commitment, but Bravo was quick to leap to the player's defence.

"I don't think any player would go on a cricket field and ... not care. All of us go out there to try our best. This is our job, this is what we do," said Bravo, who is currently campaigning for Melbourne Renegades in the Big Bash League.

The 31-year-old Taylor is the spearhead of the West Indies pace attack, but went wicket-less in the opening Test in Hobart, which the Caribbean side lost by an innings and 212 runs inside three days.

He has taken 128 wickets in 44 Tests at an average of 33, and Bravo said the Jamaican had proven his worth in the past for West Indies in varying conditions.

"It's easy to say the players aren't interested or the players don't care, but it's far from the truth. Jerome Taylor is someone who bowls his heart out for the West Indies, whether the wicket is seaming or whether the wicket is flat," Bravo contended.

"Sometimes as players, we all go through it, where you play your heart out, but the scorecard doesn't reflect your effort. Definitely, Jerome Taylor is someone who gives 100 per cent all the time. As a former captain, he's a bowler you want behind you."

West Indies are preparing to face Australia in the second Test in Melbourne which bowls off Boxing Day.