'I'm representing my parents and my Jamaican heritage' - Steven Taylor on playing Super 8 clash against West Indies

USA opener Steven Taylor is set to face the West Indies team in the Super Eight stage of the ICC T20 World Cup 2024, a team he grew up admiring. Born in Florida to Jamaican parents, Taylor's unique background adds an exciting story to this crucial encounter at Kensington Oval, Barbados.

The USA team, considered underdogs in the Super Eights, faces a crucial game against the two-time champions. With their tournament hopes hanging in the balance, Taylor's connection to both teams adds an emotional touch to an already intense cricket match.

"I'm representing my parents and my Jamaican heritage. At the end of the day, I might have been born American, but I speak more Jamaican than I speak American sometimes. I used to sing the song 'Rally' growing up as a kid, but at the end of the day, I'm representing my real country, where I was born and raised, and I just hope that we can come over the line against West Indies," he said as quoted by ESPNcricinfo.

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I grew up watching Brian Lara and Chris Gayle: Steven Taylor

Taylor revealed that he grew up watching West Indies greats like Brian Lara and Chris Gayle and is confident in defeating the Co-hosts in the upcoming match.

"[I remember] growing up, watching [Brian] Lara, Chris Gayle. To have the chance of playing against [West Indies] now and on a World Cup stage, on the highest stage of life… I might beat them. It might be a great feeling," Taylor added.

The match carries extra significance for Taylor, who has previously played for Jamaica and multiple Caribbean Premier League franchises. He's particularly excited to face off against former teammates, including his friend Akeal Hosein. 

"He's a good friend of mine know most of his tricks so for sure I'll be hunting him, first ball," Taylor further added.

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The USA team enters the match as underdogs but is not without hope. Taylor opened up about their previous encounter with the West Indies in a 50-over World Cup qualifier.

"We gave them a fight at the end of the day and we know that we have a chance of beating them once we play good cricket on the day. I would say we're playing good cricket and the team is gelling well together. At the end of the day, we know that we're going to be the underdogs for all teams that we play against in the Super Eights. So, we're just here to play good cricket and if we go in, we win; if we lose, we lose," Taylor concluded.