King charts course to return to international cricket
Guyana Chronicle
October 29, 2003
CENTURION, South Africa, (CMC) - Guyanese fast bowler Reon King has made a “satisfying” start to his South African club contract at Northerns which he hopes will be a platform for his return to international cricket.
The 28-year-old King, who played 14 Tests and 48 One-Day Internationals for the West Indies, is happy with the club’s facilities and wants to lift his game back to the international level.
“I am very anxious to get back (to international cricket), I took this contract with a view of obviously propelling myself into contention for selection to the West Indies,” King told CMC Sport yesterday.
“I’m just trying another angle to see if there is much more help for me here in terms of off-the-field, (plus) the nets and coaching staff, maybe that could help me to get back,” he added.
King said the experience of his first three weeks promised a lot.
“The preparation has been good -- pre-tournament seminars and training have been good, obviously with the facilities here and the expertise in terms of having trainer and psychologist and stuff like that, it obviously helps me in my cricket.”
On debut in a rain-hit drawn game against Western Province last week, King bowled solidly to capture one for 28 off 11 overs and bowled only 3.1 overs in the second innings, conceding three runs.
He had none for 51 off 15 overs in the first innings against Gauteng this past weekend, and picked up two for 29 off 13 overs with four maidens in the second innings as Northerns bowled out Gauteng for 189 to achieve a handsome 223-run victory.
“I bowled much better in the second game, so I think as the games go along I’ve been getting better,” King said.
The smooth-moving pacer, who made his debut for the West Indies on tour against South Africa in the 1998/1999 series, has taken some of the responsibility for his fall from the international stage.
“It was my own lack of performance. I set a very high standard when I just came into the team, and with a string of injuries and some technical deficiency, I think that contributed to me not really fulfilling the way I started,” said King, who took 44 wickets in Test cricket and 73 in ODIs during his 18-month venture into top-level cricket.
His next assignment for Northerns is against Border starting Friday, as he continues to strive to produce his best.
“Over here, I’ve said getting fit and strong is one of my main priorities and obviously I think that will help me to get back on track,” King said.