JAMAICAN fast bowler Stewart Thompson says he was as surprised as anyone when he was selected in the West Indies ‘A’ squad to face England Lions in three Twenty20 matches in St Kitts and Nevis, set for November 1–3.

The 23-year-old Thompson, who hails from Portland Cottage — a village in Clarendon on Jamaica’s southern coast — represented the national Under-17 team, but remains a virtual unknown to many cricket followers, even in his homeland.

Though yet to play at the senior level for Jamaica, he has been catapulted into the spotlight after catching the attention of Cricket West Indies (CWI) bowling consultant Ottis Gibson during a camp in Antigua earlier this year.

Thompson first hit the CWI radar when word got around that he bowled close to 90 mph during a Senior Cup match for The Mico University College against Lucas Cricket Club. In Antigua, the right-arm speedster proved it was no fluke, surpassing the 90-mph mark.

Even then, the former Vere Technical High student said he had not envisioned an ‘A’ team call-up.

“I am excited, because it was unexpected. [But] I think it’s my natural ability to bowl fast [that led to the call],” he told the Jamaica Observer on Monday.

“I was clocked bowling 88 mph, then I was invited to a fast bowling camp held in Antigua where I went even faster at 91,” added Thompson, who now represents Kingston Cricket Club after graduating from the Mico University with a bachelor’s degree in mathematics.

Thompson lists South Africa’s pace legend Dale Steyn, England fast bowler Jofra Archer, and Jamaican T20 stars Andre Russell and Rovman Powell among his cricketing heroes.

He said cricket was deeply rooted in his upbringing.

“I have been playing cricket for as long as I can remember. I started very early… I used to play in the backyard with my sister and cousin, and as I got older, I started to admire different players.

“My strengths are my genuine love for the game and also just being a student. I am always willing to learn. I believe cricket has a strong correlation with real life, so for me, I would say my overall strength is my ability to learn and adapt to different situations.”

And he does not expect anything to change as he climbs the ladder.

“For me, it’s just about enjoying it and learning as much as I can from the environment, the coaches, etc.

“I’m going to approach [the series versus England Lions] like a student. I don’t want to pressure myself and say I must perform. Naturally, I want to do my best, but most importantly, I want to enjoy this experience as it was very unexpected,” Thompson said.

— Sanjay Myers