Richardson disappointed, but 'respects' selectors' decision

 Jermaine Lannaman, Gleaner Writer

Fast bowler Andrew Richardson says he is a bit disappointed at being left out of Jamaica's team for next week's Caribbean Twenty20 Tournament, but does not see it as a major setback in his career.

The 29-year-old, who was once considered by many as a future West Indies player after a fairly successful stint with the West Indies A team in 2007, was left out of the team's 14-man squad following a decision by the national selectors to include 21-year-old Jamaica Defence Force pacer, Sheldon Cotterell.

It was the second tournament in which the Kingston Cricket Club player and former Kingston College representative was being overlooked by the national selectors, as during last October's WICB regional 50-over championship, Richardson failed to land a spot in the team's starting eleven.

Somewhat disappointed

"I am somewhat disappointed, but everybody who knows me know that I am not the kind of person who will roll over and die," said Richardson.

Interestingly, this latest exclusion comes despite him finishing as the leading wicket-taker in the Twenty20 trial matches.

"It was a decision for the selectors to make and I have to respect their decision," he said. "Maybe they don't see me as a Twenty20 bowler at the moment, but that's fine.

"I just have to continue working, stay fit and with the first-class season around the corner, prove that I still have what it takes to contribute," he added.

Jamaica, which will be seeking their first lien on a regional Twenty20 crown, will, in addition to Cotterell, have Jerome Taylor, Andre Russell, David Bernard Jr and Krishmar Santokie at their disposal in the fast-bowling department.

Jamaica will bow into action next week Monday on the tournament's opening day, when they face defending champions Guyana at the Sir Vivian Richards Stadium in Antigua - a game that will be broadcast live on ESPN.

The team has been drawn in Group A, along with England domestic Twenty20 runners-up Somerset, Combined Campuses and Colleges and the Windward Islands.

Meanwhile, the Jamaicans will play their two remaining practice matches on Wednesday and Thursday at Kensington Park, before departing on Friday.