The Essentials

I heart Lara

The world's fastest cricket fan, Usain Bolt, on his favourite bowler, top batsman, and best cricket ground

Nagraj Gollapudi | February 2015

What is it about cricket that attracts you?
I grew up watching my dad watch cricket on TV all day and I just fell in love with the spirit of the game.  

Growing up, was there a cricketer you wanted to be?
Waqar Younis was my favourite cricketer. I was a fast bowler, so I liked his pace and style of bowling. I considered myself a very good fast bowler when I was young, and my inswinger always got wickets.

Which batsman did you try to imitate?
We learnt the fundamentals of the game in primary school. I was taught how to bat by my Physical Education teacher. I truly loved watching Brian Lara: the poise, style and class he displayed was priceless. 

What is your favourite stroke? And what is one you would like to learn to play?
The cover drive. I need to practise my reverse sweep.

What is your all-time favourite cricket moment?
Watching Brian Lara score 400 runs and Courtney Walsh becoming the leading Test wicket-taker.  

Which is the best cricket ground to sit in and watch cricket?
Cricket in the Caribbean is always high-energy. Especially a one-day match at Sabina in Kingston. I hope to go to a cricket World Cup final one day.

Do you have a suggestion to revive West Indies cricket?
I would say to the players: reach out to the greats of the past and have conversations with them about how they rose to the top while working on the core principles of their game.

Nagraj Gollapudi is an assistant editor at ESPNcricinfo