Sheldon Cotterell - file

New Jamaican recruit, left-arm fast bowler Sheldon Cotterell, is looking forward to the challenge of bowling against the region's best during next month's Caribbean Twenty20 Tournament, which will be held in Barbados, and Antigua and Barbuda.

The 21 year-old Cotterell, who has been a standout for the Jamaica Defence Force (JDF) in local competitions, and on the two occasions he was invited to national trials, finished high among the wicket-takers, was the only newcomer to the team's 14-man squad.

"I know it will be a challenge to bowl to the best players in the region, but all I have to do is just continue doing what I have been doing. And that is bowling as straight and as quick as possible," said Cotterell.

"I am definitely ready, as I am fit and have been training hard, and the discipline is there. So it's now up to me to really shine for my country, and everybody, including my family and friends, and make them proud," he added.

The 6' 3" Cotterell hails from Olympic Gardens in St Andrew and is a past student of Penwood High.

Prior to now, he was relatively unknown and a reserve spot on the national Under-19 team in 2007 which had been his most outstanding achievement to date.

outstanding performances

However, his impressive showing for the JDF in the local Senior Cup competition over the past two seasons, and outstanding performances in this season's 50 Overs and recent Twenty20 trial matches, in which he finished as the top and third leading bowler, respectively, has now earned him a place in the senior squad.

In fact, so confident were the selectors that he could make a difference, they chose him ahead of senior pacer, Andrew Richardson, who took the most wickets during the Twenty20 trial matches.

"It's a great feeling to be selected as I really didn't expect to (be selected)," said Cotterell.

"During the trials I just went out and bowled and tried to have fun. So to get selected, I am overwhelmed.

"I thought that my inexperience would have gone against me, but the selectors thought I am good enough, and I hope if given the opportunity to play, I will be able to reward them for the faith they've showed in me."

Cotterell, who was the second leading run-getter for his team before they pulled out of the Senior Cup in May due to the unrest in Tivoli Gardens, a move that meant he could not participate in last season's Twenty20 trial games, is also looking forward to contributing with the bat.

"I am a batsman who can hit a quick 30 or 40 if the team requires. So if called upon, I will be ready," he said.

Jamaica will depart the island on January 7 for the January 10 to 23 tournament, which will see the winners taking home US$25,000 (approx J$2,150,000), the same as last year. The team finishing second will collect US$10,000 (approx.J$860,000), third US$6,000 (approx.J$516,000) and fourth US$4,000 (approx. J$344,000). The most outstanding player in each match will pocket US$500 (approx.$J43,000) and a plaque.