Headley looks to the challenge

The Gleaner

January 9, 1998


CRICKET: George Headley was a darling of a batsman to the Jamaicans and the West Indian population in his time and was very productive whenever he took the crease.

Ron Headley his son was not as good but could handle himself competently enough for Jamaica and the West Indies also, with the bat.

However, Dean Headley the son of Ron and grandson of George will now switch allegience from West Indies to England and will also break with tradition in another form, unlike his grandfather and father, he will be performing as a bowler.

Dean has been to Jamaica twice in different capacities - once to play in a Vice Chancellor XI game - but this time will be the first he appears in a official role.

He is looking forward to playing his best against his father's and grandfather's country although he will also try to enjoy his trip to the fullest.

Dean said, ``I am here and I am going to enjoy myself here and that's all that I am going to do. I have been here before. I been here twice so I have a fairly good idea of Jamaica.''

He also gives his thoughts on the Test: ``I think the Test matches will be hard fought. The two teams are trying to prove their worth at the moment so they are a bit of a balance.''

Whether or not West Indies poor performance would affect the team in this present series Dean said: ``Not really, at the end of the day you (England) got to go out and play. If you're going to win the Test series you've got to go out and do that. So whether we've got the advantage or not I think the West Indies have got their worldclass players.''

Whether or not he performs against his father's and grandfather's country will be seen when the West Indies play England in the first Test at Sabina Park starting January 29.


Source: The Jamaica Gleaner

Contributed by CricInfo Management, and reproduced with permission
Date-stamped : 25 Feb1998 - 18:46