Confident Cotterell looks to prove himself

Jamaica: Fast bowler Sheldon Cotterell is out to show what he learned at the Sagicor West Indies High Performance Centre.

The strongly-built left-arm quick was the stand-out bowler in this year’s West Indies Cricket Board developmental programme and the aim is to transfer that new found confidence and know-how into the forthcoming regional season.

He starts with the Caribbean T20 – which runs from January 6 to 20.

“The year was a wonderful year for me,” he said. “I learned a lot about fast bowling. I worked really hard with the coaches at the Sagicor WIHPC and I got a lot of knowledge.

“I worked with Ottis Gibson, the West Indies coach, I also worked with Graeme West and Andre Coley, the two coaches at the Sagicor WIHPC, and they did a lot of work on my run-up and that helped to get my run-up much smoother.”

He added: “The intensity was always high and my preparation was really where it had to be.

“I would say I brought my military training into my cricket – that discipline and that readiness. In cricket, I bring that same attitude. I feel so free and relaxed. I just want to go out and do my best for Jamaica.”

The 23-year-old is a member of the Jamaica Defence Force. He is hoping to shoulder a lot of responsibility when he suits up for his homeland in the CT20.

Cotterell is also hoping to get a look-in during the Regional Super50, as well as help the five-time defending champions win the Regional 4-day Tournament for a record sixth straight year.

“To be honest, I want to ‘have a go’,” he said. “I really want to play and I want the new ball… I want to make an impact.

“That’s my intention, that’s my goal for the CT20, and after that, I’m looking to show what I’m made of in the 50-overs and the first-class season as well.”

He said: “I’m going in fit and ready. I’ve been hitting all the areas the coaches have asked me to hit. I’m ready. When they call I’m ready to answer the call.