Anthony Foster, Freelance Writer
Beckford ... "I've been working all my life for this." - IAN ALLEN/STAFF PHOTOGRAPHER
TEENAGE SPINNER Alton Beckford is excited at his selection in Jamaica's 14-man squad for the upcoming regional President's Cup One-Day cricket competition.
Beckford was named in the team after the final practice match at Melbourne Oval on Sunday.
Apart from being shocked at his inclusion, Beckford, who hails from St. Elizabeth, said this was always his aim.
"I am feeling pretty happy because I have been working all my life for this ... and now I am in the senior team. I am very proud at this time," the West Indies Under-19 invitee told The Gleaner.
The leg-spinner now aims to continue performing at a high standard.
"I want to go out there and do what I did to get into the 14-man squad and perform to the best of my ability," he pointed out.
Beckford, who is one of three Jamaicans invited to the Windies Under-19 squad, along with Zaniffe Fowler and all-rounder Andre McCarthy, said he hopes to use this tournament to prepare for the West Indies Under-19 camp.
"I think this (selection) will help my confidence a lot .... and I hope to gain some experience from this tournament (President's Cup) that I can carry into the camp (West Indies Under-19) with me."
He also said he is pleased with his performance so far this season.
National youth coach Junior Bennett, who guided Beckford's path at St. Elizabeth Technical High School (STETHS), said he knew the player's national selection was always coming.
"It don't really surprise me because he has bowled well all season and he was very consistent and had a good Under-19 tournament," Bennett said.
In the regional Under-19 tournaments, Beckford picked up 25 wickets in three league matches and an additional six for 26 runs from 20 overs in two limited overs matches.
Bennett expects him to continue do well.
"He will hold his own in the team because he has good control and in any level of cricket once you have a good control, you will do well, moreso in one-day games," explained Bennett.
