Findlay hoping to fill void

Jermaine Lannaman, Gleaner Writer

Shawn Findlay says if given the opportunity he hopes to be one of the senior players who will step up for Jamaica in the absence of opener Chris Gayle, at the upcoming Caribbean Twenty20 tournament.

The 26-year-old, who has played for the West Indies in nine one-day internationals and two Twenty20, is one of six specialist batsmen named in the Jamaica squad for the January 10-23 tournament.

Findlay said while it is difficult for anybody to fill Gayle's shoes, he believes he has what it takes to help the team win.

"Gayle's shoes is a big one to fill, but in his absence others will have to put their hands up and I believe I am one of those persons who can," the lanky left-hander said.

"I have been in and out of the Jamaica team over the past year due to some misunderstanding with me going to play in England. However, since the Twenty20 trial matches I have been putting in some good performances and I am looking forward to the tournament."

Renowned for his big hitting, which reminds some observers of Gayle, who is presently in Australia competing in that country's domestic Twenty20 Big Bash championship, the left-handed Findlay came to regional prominence and was given a surprise call-up by the West Indies selectors to face touring Australia in 2008.

He was one of the most outstanding players - both in the field and with the bat - in the 2007-08 regional one-day tournament, which Jamaica won.

With the West Indies looking to blood new talent, he was then given the opportunity to bat alongside Gayle, Ramnaresh Sarwan and Shivnarine Chanderpaul.

Despite a fairly good start, in which he made an undefeated 59 in only his second innings, Findlay failed to put in consistent performances and after returning from New Zealand in early 2009, was dropped from the regional team.

"I was a bit nervous the first time around when I played for the West Indies, but now I am more mature and experienced and know what to do if I get another chance," he said.

"As long as I am doing well for Jamaica, I know I will get another chance to play for the West Indies.

"My role, if I get the chance to play in the Caribbean T20, will be to bat as much of the 20 overs as possible, as I know if I do that the team will set big totals, I will play a big innings," he reasoned.

Run-getter

Findlay, who was the second leading run-getter during the recent trial matches, also went on to sum up the team's chances.

"I am very confident in our ability to win. The players are talking to each other and motivating each other more and right now the team spirit is very good."

Jamaica, who have been drawn in Group A at the tournament alongside England domestic Twenty20 runners-up Somerset, the Combined Campuses and Colleges and the Windward Islands, will open their account against title holders Guyana next week Monday.