Young cricketer with big dreams making family proud

While he is from a family with a background in cricket, 13-year-old Wayne Plummer, who hails from Old Harbour Road in Spanish Town, St Catherine is set to create history, as the bowling all-rounder was selected for the national Under-15 cricket; a first for his family at that age group.

Plummer’s older brother, George Walker, who has been one of the driving forces behind his budding career, represented Jamaica in Under-19 cricket back 2014.

“I am feeling very excited. I have been working hard so I am very happy for this achievement,” said Plummer, whose passion and dedication to excel was reflected in his words and his desire to reach this pinnacle of success in cricket. Plummer attributes his substantial development at his age to the rigorous training regimen he adheres to, splitting his time between sessions at St Jago High School and his club, St Catherine Cricket Club, where he works alongside seasoned players like Carlos Brown and Oraine Williams.

With a demanding schedule of balancing cricket training with his academic commitments, Plummer is determined to work through the formidable challenge.

“It’s very hard because I train basically every day and then I have to go to school for monthly tests leading up to exams,” explained the determined Plummer.

Initially, Plummer saw cricket as merely a recreational pursuit but, over time, it has evolved into a profound passion, which is fuelled by his competitive spirit, even if it means training and competing with adults. He is thankful for the pivotal role his family, especially his brother George, has played in helping him to hone his cricketing skills.

“He (George) motivates me, Oraine Williams, my cousin, he motivates me as well. He gives me pointers on what to do, where to place the ball and those stuff,” explained Plummer, in underscoring the importance of mentorship and family support.

One of the highlights of Plummer’s young career came recently at Sabina Park when he and his teammates were honoured by the Jamaica Cricket Association for their selection to the national under-15 team. Plummer will commence national duties when the team journeys to Antigua and Barbuda, where they will compete against formidable opponents in the Leeward Islands, Windward Islands, Barbados, Trinidad and Tobago, and Guyana.

“I want to get more than 15 wickets in the tournament,” said Plummer, who is clear about his personal goals while embodying the team’s collective aspirations for success.

Looking at the team’s prospects, manager Denniel Griffiths highlighted the importance of fostering a conducive environment for growth and development.

“The expectation is always to win, but with this team, they are more youthful and so there is no extreme expectation placed on them. It is just for them to get the cricket experience as well as a personal experience playing in a different country,” said Griffiths, highlighting the dual objectives of competitive achievement and individual growth.

Like most ambitious young cricketers in the Caribbean, Plummer is hoping to represent the senior West Indies team on the international stage, a feat that requires not only exceptional talent but also unwavering resolve in the face of systemic challenges. “I have to just work hard, and be the best,” he said, acknowledging the support of his mother and brother, who stand unwavering in their commitment to help him to achieve his dreams.