Eight-time Olympic champion and cricket fan Usain Bolt is backing West Indies to turn into the primary nation to win a hat-trick of Twenty20 World Cup titles when the match kicks off subsequent month.
The glory years of West Indian cricket are lengthy gone because the group that received the primary two editions of the 50-over World Cup didn’t even qualify for final yr’s match in India.
However, after profitable a Test in Australia for the primary time in 27 years in January, Bolt is assured that the Caribbeans have lastly left all their struggles behind.
The world’s quickest man believes his group can add to their 2012 and 2016 T20 World Cup triumphs contemplating they are going to be internet hosting this yr’s match with the United States, and with the ultimate happening in Barbados on June 29.
“I’m always going to go with my home team,” Bolt stated on Thursday (AEST) at Nassau County International Cricket Stadium, the place match officers supplied a glimpse of the newly constructed 34,000 seat stadium.
“Because we have some big hitters, if we get it right, then definitely West Indies (can win).”
The two-time winners start their group marketing campaign in opposition to Papua New Guinea on June 2 in Guyana.
While the United States seem like unlikely hosts for a cricket competitors, with the boys’s “Big Four” leagues of MLB, NBA, NHL and NFL dominating the sporting panorama, Bolt stated American followers shall be handled to an expertise in contrast to some other.
“The energy that the cricket brings and the vibes and the noise, it’s just wonderful,” he stated.
“It’s something different that you’ll never see.”
The world report holder within the 100 and 200 metres has proven earlier than that he can wield each bat and ball and was able to embrace the cricket highlight once more in New York as he hopped into selfies with elated attendees.
The venue at Eisenhower Park will host eight matches, starting on June 3 with Sri Lanka going through South Africa.
“I finally get a chance to be a part of cricket again,” stated Bolt.
“I’m happy that I get the opportunity to be a part of (the tournament), to promote a sport that I love.”
Source: www.perthnow.com.au