Rose confident and raring to go (19 March 1999)

19 March 1999

Rose confident and raring to go

Versel Thompson

Jamaican fast bowler Franklyn Rose can't wait to get at the Australians this weekend in Antigua.

Rose, who played only one Test match on the ill-fated tour of South Africa and missed the first two Tests against Australia due to a shoulder injury, said he was confident and raring to go for the West Indies A team in their four-day match against the tourists starting tomorrow.

"It will be a real test for me as I have not played any cricket since feeling a cramp in my shoulder after leaving the field in my only Test match against South Africa," Rose said before departure yesterday.

According to the lanky quick from the parish of St. Ann: "I am looking forward to this contest as I have always wanted to play against them (Australia), especially as they are ranked as the unofficial world champions."

Rose also said he had set his sights on playing in the third Test match at Kensington Oval in Barbados.

"My only worry is to stay fit," he said.

He also said he was very disappointed not to have played in any of Jamaica's Busta Cup matches because of the injury.

"I felt a pain in my heart just to watch the rest of guys play and I was not out there beside them," Rose said.

Rose left the field in the third Test against South Africa complaining of a slight cramp in his bowling arm.

"I came off the field feeling cramps and the very next day I could not move my right shoulder," he said.

Rose said he visited a doctor in New York and was told his shoulder was badly torn.

"I am now feeling quite well and I am in high spirits but I am not going to rush things. I am just going to take my time to work myself back in," Rose said.

Source :: The Jamaica Gleaner (https://www.jamaica-gleaner.com/)