Cottrell prepared for first Test call after five-wicket haul

BENONI, South Africa, CMC – Left-arm seamer Sheldon Cottrell bowled his way into the selection frame for next week’s first Test with a five-wicket haul yesterday and says once picked, he will be ready to help carry the West Indies attack.

The 25-year-old bowled with pace and swing at Willowmoore Park here to claim five for 16 on the opening day of the three-day tour match against a South African Invitational XI.

“I’m open-minded. Once the selectors select me I know my task and once they pick me I know what my job is,” the Jamaican said following the day’s play.

“I’m willing to do that job if called on to play in the first match next week – it’s a big opportunity. I’m looking forward to any and every opportunity.”

Left-arm seamer Sheldon Cottrell ... ready if Test call comes.
Left-arm seamer Sheldon Cottrell … ready if Test call comes.

Cottrell arrived in South Africa only on Sunday, after staying behind in the Caribbean to contest the fourth round of the first class championship at the request of West Indies selectors.

He picked up an injury on the recent A team tour of Sri Lanka and they wanted to be convinced of his match fitness.

Cottrell said playing the extra game for Jamaica proved a turning point for him.

“I was out for around five weeks and it was a bit doubtful if I would make this tour,” he explained.

“Playing in the Professional Cricket League back home gave me some much-needed right kind of work as I took five wickets in the last match (against Trinidad & Tobago) so it gave me a confidence booster coming into this tour.”

Cottrell was outstanding on Wednesday, claiming the first four wickets to fall, before returning after lunch to take the final wicket with the first ball of a new spell.

His spell saw the Invitational XI bundled out for 125 and the Windies were in strong reply at 217 for two at the close, with Marlon Samuels unbeaten on 103 and Devon Smith on 83 not out.

“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 first Test against South Africa bowls off in Centurion next week.