Delray Millard Wendell Rawlins, born on December 14, 1997, is a talented cricketer hailing from Bermuda. With his incredible skills as an all-rounder, Rawlins has established himself as a future star in the game.
Rawlins began his cricketing journey as a left-arm spinner in Bermuda. At the young age of 15, he made his full international debut for Bermuda in 2013. Just two months later, Rawlins showcased his potential by taking 5 wickets for 51 runs on his Bermuda U-19 debut. His impressive performances caught the attention of selectors and earned him a scholarship to attend St Bede’s School in Eastbourne, England. This opportunity marked the beginning of his association with Sussex County Cricket Club.
During his teenage years, Rawlins continued to develop his skills as an all-rounder. In January 2017, he made his debut for England U-19 with a stunning unbeaten century of 107 runs off 88 balls, along with 2 wickets for 46 runs against Mumbai. The England selectors closely monitored his progress, and he was selected for the North vs South series in Barbados in early 2018, even before playing a One-Day Cup game for Sussex.
In the T20 Blast of 2018, Rawlins left a lasting impression on cricket enthusiasts with his exceptional batting display. He made an impactful debut at Lord’s, scoring 49 runs, and played the shot of the season – a remarkable straight drive – in the quarter-finals against Durham. These performances further boosted his reputation as a formidable middle-order batsman.
In 2019, Rawlins effectively balanced his commitments between county cricket and international matches. Despite his busy schedule, he managed to score his maiden first-class century against Gloucestershire at Old Trafford, playing an innings of 99 runs from just 99 balls. This achievement showcased his ability to excel in pressure situations and solidified his position in the team.
Rawlins’ career has seen its fair share of ups and downs, with inconsistent returns in the following years. However, he displayed his true potential during the 2022 Royal London Cup, where he scored a career-best 91 runs against Gloucestershire. Rawlins also contributed significantly with the ball, taking 14 wickets, as Sussex reached the semi-finals of the tournament.
Notably, Rawlins’ physical stature has undergone a transformation, with him growing over six feet tall. His powerful hitting has become one of the defining aspects of his game. Rawlins has also continued to represent Bermuda on the international stage, smashing a remarkable 91 runs off just 33 balls in a T20I against an unnamed team in Buenos Aires.
As an all-rounder, Delray Rawlins possesses the potential to make a significant impact across formats of the game. With his clean hitting, useful fingerspin, and superb fielding skills, he has become a highly sought-after player in the cricketing world. As he continues to hone his skills and gain more experience, Rawlins undoubtedly has a bright future ahead of him.
