Nineteen year-old scores 188-ball 107 to guide England U-19 to a 17-run win over India U-19
Delray Rawlins, 19, is rated highly in Bermuda's cricket circles. The former cricketers of the country have high hopes from the teenager and believe that he would go on to make it big in cricket one day.
The talented all-rounder is currently in India with the England U-19 team for the five Youth ODIs and two Tests.
A passionate cricketer, Rawlins moved to England at 14 to chase his dream of playing at the highest level, which he couldn't do if he played for Bermuda, an associate member of the International Cricket Council.
The south-paw made his England U-19 debut at the iconic Wankhede Stadium on Monday and made it count in his first-ever game with an all-round performance that helped the visitors beat India by 23 runs in the first ODI.
Rawlins emerged star with bat first and then ball. As a middle-order batsman, he displayed his big hitting skills hammering a quickfire 88-ball 107 (8x4, 5x6) not out that rescued England from a collapse and guide them to a strong competitive total of 256 for the loss of seven wickets in 50 overs.
The innings included some lusty blows from Rawlins including one that landed at the third level of the Grand Stand of the Stadium.
He later chipped in with his left-arm spin and played a crucial part in puncturing India's chances of a win as he got the crucial scalps of middle-order batsmen Salman Khan and Mayank Rawat in one over.
India hardly challenged the visitors and were folded out for 233 in 42.5 overs with Haryana batsman and opener Himanshu Rana's (101, 87b, 12x4, 1x6) century.
Rawlins knock was special not just in terms of the impact that it made for his team, but also it came in adverse hot and humid conditions. And he enjoyed it.
"Tough conditions to start now. I enjoyed and it was special since it came on my debut for the England U-19 team. It is a special moment also since I contributed in the win, which makes it special," he said after the game.
Rawlins journey from Bermuda to England was actually smooth. "I had a dream to play for England. It was easier since Bermuda is colonised by Britain. I got free academy ranks and was selected on the contract for England. I am thankful to England for backing me and having faith while getting me for this tour. It was actually easier as boys welcomed me," he said.
The Sussex cricketer in his interaction used the word 'thankful' repeatedly which showed how much this opportunity meant to him.
"I shifted to England at 14, when I was quite young. My parents gave me all the support. I am thankful for the experience that I got which helped me grow more. I am thankful."
Rawlins said that the standard of cricket is 'not bad' in Bermuda.
"I just wanted to push myself if I was so good, which I really was, and how far I would go. I am hopeful that I can. The environment and the conditions are a lot different in the home of cricket (England) from Bermuda. I learnt a lot early on and then it got easier to adapt to the conditions," he said.
For Rawlins touring with the England team to India was a big opportunity. "I have been long time preparing for this tour. I went to Dubai for training and attended the camps locally in England, was happy to get selected. It was buzzing and was looking forward to come and the boys were excited. We will try and win the series. Even the mood in the dressing room is positive and outstanding," he said.
Brief scores: England U-19 256/7 in 50 overs (H Brook 51 (6x4), D Rawlins 107* (8x4, 5x6), O Pope 37; K Nagarkoti 2/36, A Sharma 2/52) beat India U-19 233 (H Rana 101 (12x4, 1x6), K Nagarkoti 37; M Fisher 4/41, H Brooks 2/29, D Rawlins 2/46, M Holden 2/42) by 23 runs
){kind=small}
){kind=small}
){kind=small}
){kind=small}
){kind=small}
){kind=small}
){kind=small}
){kind=small}
){kind=small}
){kind=small}
){kind=small}
){kind=small}
){kind=small}
){kind=small}
){kind=small}
){kind=small}
){kind=small}
){kind=small}
 "Delray Rawlins")
){kind=small}
){kind=small}
){kind=small}
){kind=small}
){kind=small}
)
){kind=small}
){kind=small}
)
)
)
)
)
){kind=small}
){kind=small}
){kind=small}
){kind=small}
){kind=small}