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