Kingston born… joining the Jamaican Defence force

This is my initial announcement about my career in Jamaica. I was fortunate to have some time to speak to friend and colleague, Keron Toussaint, of Sauteurs Media about what made me join the military and why September 16th 2019 will be an emotional day for me. We have some more of the interview for you to come where I talk more #CPL and growing up in Kingston or as Keron called it ‘raised by the streets’. The video begins – On my joining the JDF after high school… Salute, Sheldon Cotterell Port Of Spain, Trinidad & Tobago

Birthday thanks to Dougie, Elsie, Alec and Emmie…

My friends from the UK sent me their incredible artistic work for my birthday. Emmie drew this top pic of me celebrating a wicket (against NZ). She is only 12. Dougie created an acrostic poem and Elsie drew me as well. Thanks so much guys. Elsie says ‘that’s out!’… sweet of her to post this to me in Jamaica. ‘N‘ is for never giving up… Salute, Sheldon Cotterell 24th August 2019

GAME 2 Salute Tour Diaries

The game against Australia was a good day of cricket – some good balls and some bad – fielding that Steve Smith ball was pretty awesome but I was determined after dropping him the first time I needed some redemption. I was happy with my first few overs and for the next game I will try to keep that same consistency throughout. But it’s just the start and it’s one small step forward for West Indies and the beginning of many for Sheldon Cotterell. We are determined to rally for our next game. I would like this blog to give you some insight into our travelling lives as cricketers and so far it’s some pictures and a little text. This tournament is heating up (the weather only slightly) and I can show you some more of the 2019 World Cup. This is my second World Cup (blessed) but my first on the field. I can tell you it’s the stuff your wildest dreams are made of. It’s also something that is a job and I take my job for the Windies seriously – we have laughs and we play at times – but in the end we work for our fans and our countries – to entertain and to win. I hope we can do both. I had a great week so far as I got to participate in a program that coincides with the World Cup. @chance2shine creates opportunities for students to enjoy cricket, pursue a future in cricket and just to know about a healthy and fun pastime – before our game they also connected me with the super cool kids of Nottingham Academy Primary so we could recreate my soldier salute. It’s my pleasure and it’s a cliche to say my privilege but it’s nice to meet young fans who have a reverence for the game and eager anticipation for the future. I think one of the best gifts we can give over children is hope and belief – this is something that kids in Kingston, Jamaica need also – a chance, support, encouragement and the idea that they can do what their peers overseas can achieve. One of the most interesting organisations I have come across in recent months is an Australian run charity that assists Caribbean children in having the same opportunities in enjoying and excelling in cricket as their Australian counterparts by providing equipment. It’s a testament to the compassion and insight of the founders of this charity to create something simple and yet so effective. The name of the charity is the Children’s Cricket Charity (and although I’m not affiliated with them in any way), I hope that my forum here could generate some interest in their works. Not all sport is about raising a superstar it’s also about offering opportunity, gaining a healthy pastime and being fun! All kids should have this. Nelson Mandela spoke about the healing power of sport and how it unites disparate individuals and factions – we can’t argue with him… I would love to be involved with such honourable sporting endeavours. Their website is https://www.cricketcharity.org and I wish them well. But back to work for me. As a soldier I know that the battle isn’t over. Rally West Indies. #salute Sheldon Cotterell in Southampton, UK Please check out these organisations that support the youth in cricket across the world: Cricket4Good https://www.icc-cricket.com/cricket-for-good @chance2shine on Twitter Children’s Cricket Charity https://www.cricketcharity.org/ And if you haven’t seen my boundary catch enough times here it is on the ICC Youtube channel: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=IcBCm6bsKKI

Fun day with the kids from Nottingham Academy Primary #salute

Well this was an enjoyable diversion from training and the gym. The World Cup isn’t simply on the cricket pitch it is the festival of cricket for fans and especially for young aspiring cricketers and avid aficionados. Thanks for the enjoyable day students. I hope to meet you all again and maybe watch you in the future on the cricket field or pursuing any of your dreams. And here’s how you do it…

Wow!

World Cup Announcement – A few words from me. Thanks to the coaches, friends and family first of all – very excited for the next few months beginning with the tri-series in Ireland on the 5th and culminating in the World Cup in England & Wales – very thankful for all the help, blessings, luck, inspiration and mentorship of the army of people that have got me here and will get me there… I was privileged to tour with the West Indies 2015 World Cup side to Australia and New Zealand. It was a life changing time for me, and my youngest son was born whilst I was on tour. At the time I didn’t even join the airline frequent flyer program – I couldn’t foresee that my life could ever possibly involve so many international flights around the world and to see New Zealand and Bangladesh and to play cricket in Canada of all places! To play cricket representing Jamaica and the Caribbean is something that brings me pride every time and most especially as I pull on my maroon kit. I think every cricketer aspires to be able to compete with the best and to have a chance to play amongst the greats and I am excited to see the different international World Cup squads that have been announced. Beyond all our team goals it is an honour to have the opportunity to try my skills amongst such prolific batsman – but if I get the chance on the field then I plan to unleash a few tricks of my own too! I promise to undertake my role in our Windies squad with joy from the momentous opportunity and the respect for the chance I have been granted. I think the West Indies team and organisation has gained such important strength, unity (and has always had an enduring brotherhood) in the past few series and we have an important legacy to live up to. I have the blessed opportunity to fulfil some of my dreams but I will do my best to live up to the dreams of the Caribbean community. The Caribbean has a unique character and our influence in music and in sport is resounding beyond the islands (& Guyana) that we call home. I think we can harness this power in the 2019 World Cup and show the world. Looking forward to joining the team and Captain Holder, A salute with honour, Sheldon Cotterell From Tivoli Gardens, Kingston to Portmore – Jamaica In Barbados… April 2019

And in Victoria, Australia…

From the March 20 article: West Indies seamer Sheldon Cottrell’s trademark celebration made it all the way to south-west Victoria after Russells Creek bowler Liam Boyle took the winning wicket against Koroit to put his side in the WDCA division two grand final. Will have to find out where Russels Creek is! Brings a smile to my face. Hope it brought Liam luck! Playing sport really is a great uniter of people it isn’t all rivalry and country vs country. I am playing for Jamaica Defence Force in our semi-final this weekend #global #salute #clubcricket #Australia