Rumours of reduced interest in cricket and a less talented pool of players in Jamaica are significantly wide of the mark if Javardi Francis is anything to go by.

Javardi is dedicated to his batting and wicket-keeping and understands that talent alone will only take him so far, it’s the hard yards he’s putting in to improve fitness and technical aspects that will go a long way to helping him realise his dream of professional cricket.

He certainly has the talent too, that was seen early on when Javardi was selected for Jamaica under-17’s after his school performances excelled.

In club cricket in Jamaica, Javardi plays for Kensington CC, the second oldest club in Jamaica, in the strongest competition in the island. His role is to bat at number four and dictate the innings. He does so by using his feet effectively, against spin in particular, and maintaining a positive intent. Not wreckless, but staying busy, taking the boundary option if it’s there, but the board keeps ticking.

His glovework is good too but it’s his batting in particular that catches the eye.

Hoping for a first season in the UK in 2025, he’ll bring with him a hunger, a committed style of play and dedication to improvement.