Close up with his dream

Ryon Jones, Gleaner Writer

Left arm Jamaican fast bowler, Sheldon Cotterell, got an unusual taste of international cricket during yesterday's fifth and final match in the Digicel Pearls one-day international series at Sabina park when he found himself among the army personnel standing guard at the pitch during the innings break.

Cotterell, who made his debut for Jamaica during this year's Caribbean Twenty20 (CT20) tournament, where in is only outing he finished with figures of two for 17 off his allotted four overs, has been a member of the Jamaica Defence Force (JDF) for just under three years.

"It is an overwhelming feeling, just being out there looking around and actually being on the pitch and seeing the fans," Cotterell expressed. "It was just like me seeing the future to tell you the truth; I just have to work hard."

He added: "Just being out there and seeing the fans gave me a thrill and seeing the West Indies and Indian team warming up. When I was out there I was picturing myself in the maroon colours warming up with the guys."

The 21-year-old, who has also featured in one four-day match for Jamaica and plays Senior Cup cricket for the JDF started out in the game at a young age.

"I have been playing cricket from around age nine," Cotterell disclosed. "I started playing as usual in the streets, then with my school Penwood High and to reach this far I want to give God thanks and I know I have a long way to go," he added.

Working hard

Cotterell, who bats right-handed emerged as the top all-rounder in last season's Senior Cup, with 317 runs. This season season he made 173 runs in three innings and has set himself the goal of making the West Indies team in less than 18 months.

"I am working hard as usual, I plan on hitting the gym anytime soon and at this summer's (cricket) trials I just want to go out there and put out my best," Cotterell outlined while admitting that he knows it will not be smooth sailing.

"Not because I bowl left handed means I am going to be automatically selected in a side," Cotterell said. "I have to go out there and perform and pitch the ball in the right areas. Currently, I am working on my fitness, spot bowling and my batting," he added.