Jack Davies hopes strong debut season at Essendon can one day lead to England cap
Jack Davies doesn’t waste any time making an impression. The former England Under-19 vice-captain has established himself as a key member of Essendon’s First XI in his debut season.
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Jack Davies doesn’t do things slowly.
In the last two years, Essendon’s English import has starred at the 2018 Under-19 World Cup, signed his first professional contract with county club Middlesex and been named England under-19 vice-captain.
And after arriving in Australia in September, the talented wicketkeeper-batsman has wasted no time making his presence felt at Windy Hill.
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Davies made his Essendon debut in the Second XI but after making an impressive 63 was immediately elevated to the First XI, making his senior Premier Cricket debut in the Round 2 win over against Fitzroy Doncaster.
“Coming out, I knew I was going to start in the Seconds, so my first goal was to get into First Grade and I was lucky enough to have that happen pretty quickly,” Davies said.
“Essendon has quite a lot of natural strokemakers and I guess I’m a different type of player.
“I suppose I’m that type of natural English batsman that looks to take his time and get my eye in, so I bring something different to the top order.”
Including Vic Super Slam runs, the 19-year-old is Essendon’s fourth leading run-scorer this season with two half-centuries to his name.
He played a critical role in the thumping Premier Cricket win over Melbourne last weekend, finishing 25 not out.
He’s also proved more than tidy behind the stumps, registering 15 catches and a stumping in his eight First XI games.
Davies hopes his experience on Australian pitches can further his development and one day help him achieve his dream of representing England.
“Of course, it’s everyone’s dream to play for their country,” he said.
“I only got a small taste at youth level but it’s so nice to put on the badge and get a cap number.
“Max Holden, who I live with at home from Middlesex, made his debut for the Lions and it shows you how close it is.
“(The 2018 World Cup) was brilliant … we have a lot of festivals in England at under-15 and under-17 level but it was absolutely incredible to play against the best from different countries.”
Just 17 at the World Cup in New Zealand, Davies played all six games and finished the tournament with the second most dismissals among wicketkeepers, while averaging 52 with the bat.
Before heading to Australia, he was named vice-captain under Tom Banton during the English summer’s series against South Africa under-19s.