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Sulieman Benn could well have followed in the intimidating footsteps of giant West Indian quicks Joel “Big Bird” Garner and Curtly Ambrose – if only he wasn’t so adept at spinning a ball as a youngster.
In a strange twist for a region with a rich tradition of fearsome fast bowlers that has shunned spinners for decades, the tallest cricketer in the Windies at present is also it’s most promising spinner.
The answer to how such a situation occurred is simple, according to two metre-tall Benn.
“I’ve just always been a spin bowler,” said the lanky left arm off-spinner.
“I can’t remember being anything else. The height just came along with it.”
Asked had anyone ever tried to change him into a fast bowler, the 26-year-old said: “Maybe, but I was always good at what I was doing so I don’t think people wanted to change me too much.”
Still, there are at least indications that while he may not bowl fast, Benn still possesses the temperament of a fiery quick.
Last year during a Division 1 club match in Barbados, Benn reportedly bowled a beamer at batsman Robin Parris before gently kicking his opponent as he tried to run a quick single the following ball. Parris took exception, and an on-field brawl between arch-rival teams Spartan and Empire ensued.
After making his debut against Sri Lanka in March, Benn is in line to play the third Test against Australia at Kensington Oval after narrowly missing selection for the drawn clash in Antigua last week.
A handy lower-order batsman and slip fielder, Benn owns a promising first class record of 138 wickets at 28, and with his height should pose a few problems for Australia’s batsmen if selected on an expected bouncy Kensington wicket.
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