TEENAGE wicketkeeper/batsman Aldaine Thomas is relishing the prospect of making his senior debut in this evening’s opening match against title-holders Trinidad & Tobago in the 2013 Caribbean Twenty20 (CT20) Championships.

Thomas, who has represented Jamaica at the Under-15 level and is still an active Under-19 player, said he is looking forward to the task of keeping in the usually spinner-friendly conditions of the twin-island republic.

“I’ve been to Trinidad before as an Under-15 player and I’m looking forward to this competition. Usually those are slow wickets that offer turn to the spinners. I’m not nervous and I’m not concerned because I usually like being close up to the stumps,” the 18-year-old gloveman told the Sunday Observer at Sabina Park on Friday.

The path of the Holmwood Technical student into the senior squad was left virtually unobstructed after number one wicketkeeper Carlton Baugh was ruled ineligible due to his not representing club team Melbourne CC in the local T20 competition.

Thomas, who has a top score of 93 in regional U-19 two-day cricket, said he is grateful for the massive break.

“It’s a big opportunity seeing that Carlton Baugh is out and I get this chance as a youngster. I just hope that I can keep well and bat well so that hopefully, in the four-day or the one-day format, I can get another call-up.

“I’m happy to know that from a tender age I’m a part of the Jamaica senior team. It’s a wonderful opportunity and it’s special for me going back to school and others looking up to me,” said the right-handed batsman .

He did, however, reveal that transitioning from youth cricket comes with certain challenges, particularly because of the high expectations at the senior level.

“Sometimes it’s a bit rough for me because of the challenge being behind the stumps. I try to catch every ball that comes, so there’s a bit of pressure. Some of the senior players are always telling me to catch the ball, but that’s alright,” said Thomas.

Meanwhile, national head coach Junior Bennett believes Thomas possesses authentic batting and wicketkeeping abilities, but hopes he will be able to adjust and cope with the novelty of playing under artificial lights.

“He had his ups and downs during the training sessions and practice matches. He is a confident and talented youngster and match by match he has been learning in both areas. I notice he is learning quickly to forget what happened previously and to think about the next ball.

“There are things that he is not accustomed to… for example, playing under lights. That will be a new experience for him so I hope he adopts as quickly as possible,” Bennett said.