STETHS’s pacer Edmond shoots for Jamaica, WI

St Elizabeth Technical High School's (STETHS) schoolboy fast bowler Gavasta Edmond is all the rave in that section of the island, as pundits are in awe at the raw pace which the 19-year-old has been sending down in this year's schoolboy cricket season.

Edmond, who has battled injuries in the past, is slowly getting back to his best as he helped STETHS to three titles so far this season.

Edmond's first game this season was the Headley Cup final, where he took three wickets against May Day High to help STETHS lift the trophy. He also assisted STETHS to get the better of Wolmer's Boys' School in the one-off Spaulding Cup.

The strapping pacer also took three wickets in the semifinals against Tacky High, which saw his team into the rural Twenty20 (T20) final, where again, he took three wickets in their win against Manchester High.

The former Hopewell Primary student says he wants to get back to his best and showcase his talent on the international stage.

"Last year, I took just one wicket in the West Indies Rising Stars under-19 tournament as I had some injury problems. This year I am in the Jamaica squad again, and I want to outdo myself and achieve what I didn't achieve last year and go out there and do my best," Edmond said.

Regionally, Edmond has been on the radar of Cricket West Indies, with the fast bowler invited to under-19 camps in the past.

Edmond got into the game from a tender age, thanks to his cousins, one of which is Denali Edmond, who played under-15 cricket for Jamaica.

The young speedster says he wants to emulate retired West Indies great Curtly Ambrose, as he intends to take his game to top-level, similar to how the legendary fast bowler dominated the world while representing the region.

"I admire the hard work and energy that Ambrose brought to the cricket when he played. He brings a certain vibe into the cricket, which I also love. I want to play for Jamaica's senior team one day and even go on to represent the West Indies," he said.

The avid footballer will be looking to continue his good showing in the schoolboy cricket season as STETHS go in search of their fourth title this season when they take part in the eight-team all-island T20 championship, slated to bowl off next week.