Cricket Has Taught Him Patience
One of the youngest players ever to represent the USA at cricket, Steven Taylor has risen through the representative ranks of US cricket to playing alongside some of the world’s best on an International World XI. Newyorkcricket,com asked Taylor some of the same questions posed to some of his USA cricket peers.
Steven Taylor is being interviewed by commentator Carl Bennett during the ICC Americas U-15 tournament which was held in New York, 2009. Photo by Shiek Mohamed
Tell us about yourself
I’m 21 years-old, and was born in Florida. I’m of Jamaican descent. Both of my parents are from Jamaica. I have three brothers and two sisters, and I still reside in Florida. Miramar to be exact. I played for International Cricket Club, ICC America’s Under-15, ICC America’s Under-19, USA Under-15, USA Under-19, USA National team, and an International World Xl.
What is the craziest thing you have done while playing cricket?
The craziest thing I’ve done while playing cricket is box (unintentionally slap by hand) a ball over the boundary.
Tell us about your training routines
My training routine consists of going to the gym on Tuesday, Wednesday and Thursday. I also do net sessions on Tuesdays and Thursdays.
Who is the toughest player you know?
The toughest player I know is Mark Johnson.
What’s your favorite wicket celebrating routine?
My favorite wicket celebrating routine is pumping my fist in the air while on one knee.
Steven Taylor during the ICC Americas Under 10 tournament which was held in Canada, 2011. Photo by Shiek Mohamed
Give us your view on the state of USA Cricket, and how to improve the game
I believe USA cricket need more investments by sponsors who can facilitate and motivate players, so they have a reason to train.
Tell us something we don’t know about you
Something people don’t know about me is I played my first official game at seven years old in a Division 2 match for Islanders Cricket Club.
If cricket has taught you one thing, what is it?
One thing cricket has taught me is how to be patient and not take life for granted. One day you can be on the top of your game and the next couple weeks you’re at the bottom of the barrel.
Can you cook?
Of course I can cook. “Mi a big chef!”
Who is your favorite cricket commentator?
My favorite cricket commentator is Tony Cozier
Do you collect anything?
Yes, I have a collection of new cricket balls.
Steven Taylor representing the USA senior team at ICC World Twenty20 Qualifier UAE 2012
What’s the best compliment you have ever received from a fellow cricketer?
The best complement I ever received was when Shivnarine Chanderpaul once said, “How this man not playing for USA.” This was in 2011 before I started playing for the USA.
What is the best cricket souvenir you have?
The best cricket souvenir I have is a signed V800 Slazenger bat from Brian Lara.
Where is the best place in USA to play cricket?
The best place to play cricket is in South Florida. It’s the only place that has an ICC Certified ODI cricket stadium in all of the Americas.
Who’s your all-time hero outside of cricket?
My all-time hero outside of cricket is my father.
What’s your favorite shot?
My favorite shot is anything that goes for six
Would you rather take a five-wicket haul or score a fifty?
I would rather score a hundred.
Which cricketer in the world would you pay to watch?
I would definitely pay to watch Christopher Henry Gayle and the great Brian Charles Lara.
Describe you in three words?
I would describe myself as hilarious, motivated and humble.
Have you got any superstitions?
The only superstition I can think of is the fact that I have to listen to music on my way to a match.
Are you handy at any other sports?
Yes, I have a decent three point shot in basketball.