While many of Bedford School’s Upper Sixth students step up preparations for their A-Level exams, one young man is busy in South Africa forging a name for himself in the international cricket arena for Scotland.
Jamie Dunk, 18, has made a solid start to the Under 19 Cricket World Cup with scores of 40 against perennial favourites, England and improved on that today (Wednesday) with 57 against West Indies in Group B in Potchefstroom.
However, Scotland lost both games leaving their involvement in the competition hanging by a thread.
Dunk, who qualifies to play for Scotland thanks to his Mother’s side of the family, has made an instant impact opening the batting and was a shoe-in for selection after winning Player of the Tournament in the qualification competition against the likes of Netherlands and Jersey.
His 255 runs at an impressive average of 85 fired Scotland’s U19s to the top of the table, securing their progress to the finals.
The competition was due to be held in Sri Lanka but was switched to South Africa after the ICC provisionally banned Sri Lanka Cricket (SLC) due to Government interference, although that ban has since been lifted.
Before the tournament, Jamie reflected on his performances in the qualifiers and looked ahead to the competition.
“Qualifying for the ICC Under 19 World Cup this summer is a dream come true.
“I have always closely followed the tournament, watching the future cricket stars perform on the highest stage, making their name with outstanding cricket performances live on TV.
“One of my main ambitions for this season was to perform well in the World Cup Qualifiers with Scotland and do my very best for the team.”
“An excellent opportunity”
Bedford School’s Director of Cricket, Gary Steer was quick to praise the youngster for his fast rise up the ranks.
“Jamie has had an outstanding season for the school 1st XI, scoring over 1000 runs and taking 20 wickets.
“He has been a fantastic addition to the cricket club, both as a cricketer and as a leader, and I have no doubt he will continue his good form for Scotland U19s.
“This is an excellent opportunity for Jamie to perform on the international stage and I am delighted that he has secured a place in the main competition next year.”
Also on the books at Leicestershire, these performances on the world stage will only increase Dunk’s stock and he may even perhaps be in the frame to make his first class and List A debuts with the Foxes’ first County Championship game on 5th April against Yorkshire.
Before that however, Jamie has also been selected for a T10 competition in Spain as part of the full Scotland side in the week before half term. He will be the youngest member of the Scottish squad.
Attention now turns to hosts South Africa, which will be Scotland’s last group game and although mathematically, Scotland could still progress at the time of writing, it looks as if it may be Dunk’s last chance to impress before returning home.
