KINGSTON, Jamaica, CMC – Left-arm seamer Sheldon Cotterell knows he is made of sterner stuff and is intent on proving it when the Caribbean Twenty20 bowls off next month.
Last season, Cotterell had a disappointing outing for Jamaica, failing to make any major impact for Jamaica in either in the CT20 or the first class season.
However, with a stint at the High Performance Centre behind him, the 23-year-old believes the stage is set for him to shine.
“To be honest, I want to have a go. I really want to play and I want the new ball…I want to make an impact,” he pointed out.
“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 continued: “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.
“Batsmen should prepare for a much more relaxed and a much more confident Sheldon Cotterell. I just have to keep doing what I’m doing and my time will come, I’m sure.”
In this year’s CT20, Cotterell managed just five wickets in three matches with an economy rate of 6.85, as Jamaica lost in the final to Trinidad and Tobago.
He also had an ordinary first class season with just 14 wickets from seven outings at an average of 26.
Cotterell buckled down at the HPC over the last year, however, worked closely with his coaches including West Indies head coach Ottis Gibson, and is now feels he can give of his best for Jamaica.
“The year was a wonderful year for me. 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,” he explained.
“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 CT20 runs from January 6-20 in Trinidad and St Lucia.