Kingston, 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 soldier 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.
"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."
Jamaica start the CT20 with a showdown against defending champions Trinidad & Tobago on January 6 under the lights at the Queen’s Park Oval. The two teams met in last year’s final, when T&T were easy winners by 63 runs at Kensington Oval in Barbados.
The Jamaicans will continue their preparations this week with training sessions and warm-up matches at Sabina Park in Kingston before travelling to Trinidad next week.