Leighton Levy, Star Writer

Jamaican fast bowler Sheldon Cottrell has hailed the conditions in South Africa that helped him claim five wickets on the opening day of their tour match against the South Africa Invitational XI, saying they helped him and gave him a well-needed boost as he begins the quest to gain selection for next week's first Test against South Africa. In a devastating six-over burst, the 25-year-old pacer took four of the first five wickets to fall for just 16 runs as the Invitational XI stumbled to 48 for five after just 13 overs. He returned to claim his fifth with the first ball of his seventh over, as the home team capitulated to 125 all out.

His fellow countryman Jerome Taylor was also among the wickets, claiming two for 12 before the West Indies pressed home their advantage.

recently returned

Cottrell, who recently returned to competition from injury, said it was the perfect start to the tour for him. "It was a wonderful day for me. The right kind of start I was looking for on the tour. I was happy to get the new ball and I just ran in and looked to bowl with pace and troubled the batsmen," he said. "I was pleased with the way I was able to get it (ball) to swing, and also the extra pace and bounce. That was a good confidence-booster for me. The conditions are suitable to fast bowling and as a fast bowler, I love to see the ball fly off the pitch."

The bowler said the match practice he got playing in the previous round of matches in the West Indies Cricket Board Professional Cricket League helped prepare him for the match, by providing him with the right environment for his recovery from injury which had threatened to keep him out of the tour.