Jerome Taylor edged out his captain Chris Gayle for the award © AFP

Jerome Taylor, the West Indies fast bowler, has been named Jamaica's Cricketer of the Year 2008. Taylor, one of the leading bowlers in the side, was among the favourites for the award, and edged out his captain Chris Gayle.

In six Tests this year, Taylor picked up 22 wickets at an average of 31.13 and in the two-Test series against Sri Lanka at home topped the wickets chart for West Indies with 11 wickets. In 14 ODIs this year, he has taken 22 wickets and scalped 10 wickets in the three matches he played in Jamaica's victorious Carib Beer Series campaign.

"It is a great feeling to be named as the player of the year in my country and receive this prestigious award," Taylor said. "This is a wonderful feeling. Over the years playing for Jamaica I always gave of my best.

"I would like to be seen as someone who always aims for the highest and is a good servant of this great game. This is a stepping stone for me. I am enjoying the award and looking forward to bigger things ahead."

Since Taylor is currently on the tour of New Zealand, the award was collected on his behalf by his Jamaica team-mate Brenton Parchment.

"I played against a few of the New Zealanders before so I have an idea what they are like," Taylor said. "I have seen some new players coming into their team so I will be doing my homework to assess them and see how best I can exploit any weaknesses."