Jamaican fast bowler Oshane Thomas has admitted being very happy to be selected to the West Indies ‘A’ team in three four-day unofficial cricket ‘Test’ and three ODI matches scheduled to be held at the Trelawny Multi-purpose Stadium and Sabina Park, beginning October 11.

Thomas left the island recently for a two-week training camp in Antigua.

When the Jamaica Observer caught up with him prior to departing the island, he expressed his delight at bing selected and was looking forward to doing well.

“I am very elated and honoured to be selected to represent West Indies ‘A’ cricket team. It was also a big surprise for me, and it is also a great feeling, although I never expected to be called up to get that opportunity,” Thomas said.

The 20-year-old past student of Garvey Maceo High School, said that it will be a great experience and exposure for him to play against an international cricket team.

“As a result of my fast-bowling performances playing for the Jamaica Tallawahs, I think that I caught the eyes of the selectors who were pleased and decided to give me that great opportunity,” he added.

Thomas said he played for the Jamaica Tallawahs in two matches when they won the Caribbean Premier League last year (2016) against the Trinbago Knight Riders in the semi-finals and Guyana Warriors in the final.

“This year again, I played for the Jamaica Tallawahs against the Chis Gayle-led St Kitts and Nevis Patriots where I took three wickets and was adjudged man-of-the-match,” noted Thomas, who plays for the Melbourne Cricket Club in local competitions.

“I hope that one day I will be selected to represent the West Indies senior team and will be looking forward to that great opportunity from by bowling performances,” he said.

He added: “For now, I will be concentrating on playing professional cricket in the Caribbean, and if the opportunity comes to play professional cricket in England I would have to make that decision, but I’m focusing on playing for Jamaica and the West Indies for now.”

Thomas also played for his school in the island’s local Under-14, Under-16 and Under-19 schoolboy cricket competitions, with his best fast-bowling performance being eight wickets for 20 runs off seven overs against Kemps Hill High School.

After leaving Garvey Maceo High School, Thomas joined Melbourne Cricket Club and his best bowing resulted in him capturing a match-haul of nine wickets against St Thomas. He also played Minor Cup, then Junior Cup, before moving up to the Senior Cup level where Melbourne were the champions last year.

He has also played for the West Indies Under-15 in Bangladesh, as well as the Under-19 team. Thomas has been playing cricket since he was seven years old and first represented Race Course Primary School in the parish of Clarendon when he was nine years old, before graduating to Garvey Maceo High School.

Meanwhile, Alfred Thompson, managing director of Triple A Sports and Technology Limited, has decided to sponsor Thomas during his stint with the West Indies ‘A’ team on the upcoming tour.

Thompson presented Thomas with a new bat, pads and gloves, as well as a bag for his cricket gear for his training sessions while in Antigua.

”This is part of my assistance and to also help potential players towards their cricket development. The game is not only for playing local cricket, but also for opportunities to play professionally overseas,” Thompson said.

He said a number of players has not been given the opportunity to make the transition to play cricket internationally as they have not made the national team. “Some players needed a break to build their talent for the future and also earn a living from the game.

“There should be a long-term programme to develop the individual talents for players to play overseas. Some people only need a break to play professionally, but you have to be disciplined, punctual and hard -working,” said Thompson.

Thompson’s company is the local distributor of CA and GM cricket gear, which includes bats, pads, gloves, thigh pads, and several other cricket items.