Rahkeem Cornwall debuts for WI, becomes world's heaviest cricketer

Rahkeem Cornwall, the West Indian all-rounder who weighs around 140 kg, will make his debut against India in the second Test match at the Sabina Park in Jamaica. Cornwall became the heaviest Test cricketer ever when he was included in the playing XI for West Indies surpassing former Australia captain Warwick Armstrong, who weighed 133-139 kg, to achieve this feat. A consistent performer over the years West Indies captain Jason Holder won the toss against India and opted to ball first in the second Test. Holder said that Rahkeem Cornwall will make his debut in place of Miguel Cummins and Jahmar Hamilton too will make his debut who replaces Shai Hope. Holder also added that they expect good things from Cornwall and he can spin the ball on all surfaces. READ | Rishabh Pant point of focus as India attempts West Indies Test sweep The 26-year-old Cornwall weighs 140 kg and is 6 ft 6 inch tall. Cornwall is an Antiguan cricketer who his first-class debut in 2014 and has since has been regularly playing for the Leeward Islands. He has been a consistent performer in the domestic arena and has taken 260 wickets from 55 first-class matches and scored 2,224 runs. He bats lower down the batting order and has the ability to hit big sixes. Recently, he scored two half-centuries in two unofficial 'Tests' against India. He also finished as the leading wicket-taker with 54 wickets in the recent regional four-day tournament. READ | Ajinkya Rahane 'a bit emotional' on scoring 10th ton in Windies test Fitness issues delayed his inclusion in the WI national team Despite being a talented and consistent performer, Rahkeem’s fitness delayed his chances to make it to the senior national team. "Rahkeem has been performing consistently over a long period of time and has proven to be a match-winner, so we believe his elevation to the Test squad is merited at this time," Robert Haynes, the head of CWI's interim selection panel, said. "We believe he can provide an attacking option to our bowling attack with his sharp turn and extra bounce. He can also lend a bit of depth to the batting, so we are looking forward to him coming into the squad and making a valuable contribution.” READ | Virat Kohli and Ajinkya Rahane lift India's spirits on Day three vs WI Jacques Kallis is my hero: Rahkeem Cornwall A few days earlier, he had said, “I believe the Test format suits my game because of the consistency a player needs over a long period of time to be successful, and I’ve enjoyed that challenge so far in my career playing first-class cricket,” to the Cricket West Indies website. He also said that he was earlier inspired by Brian Lara but he idolises former South Africa all-rounder Jacques Kallis. “My cricket hero is definitely Jacques Kallis. The way he carried himself as an all-rounder on and off the field, I’ve tried to visualise and work to match certain things I saw Kallis do to my game. The Test match I remember most watching was Brian Lara’s 400 in Antigua 2004. It was an early inspiration for sure to become a professional cricketer and to play for the West Indies”, he said. READ | Jasprit Bumrah's 2nd innings spell hailed by Bharat Arun as 'best'

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Rahkeem Cornwall debuts for WI, becomes world's heaviest cricketer

Rahkeem Cornwall, the West Indies all-rounder who weighs around 140 kg, will make his debut against India in the second Test match at the Sabina Park in Jamaica

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