West Indies fast bowler Sheldon Cottrell was the stand-out performer in the second ODI against England as the hosts levelled the five-match series 1-1 on Saturday.

While Cottrell’s left-arm pace probing the England batsmen was a treat to watch, his celebration after every wicket – that of a soldier’s salute – was as fascinating.

The 29-year-old, a Jamaican Defence Force soldier, later revealed he celebrated that way as a mark of respect to his fellow soldiers.

“It’s a military-style salute. I’m a soldier by profession. Me saluting is just to show my respect to the Jamaica Defence Force,” Cottrell later told the BBC.

He added: “I do it every time I get a wicket. I practised it for six months when I was training in the army.”

Earlier in the day, West Indies rode on unbeaten 104 from Shimron Hetmyer to amass 289-6 in 50 overs.

In reply, England had their noses slightly ahead until the 40^th even but Cottrell’s five-for ensured the visitors were skittled out for just 263 runs.

The two teams will next meet in Grenada on Monday.