English dynamo who holds unofficial record for fastest century in professional cricket set to unleash on this year’s Big Bash

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HOBART’S coup in landing highly regarded coach Michael Di Venuto as an assistant has come with an added bones with one of England’s most exciting prospects also signing with the club.

Will Jacks — who holds the unofficial record for the fastest century in professional cricket — has put pen to paper to join the Hurricanes for the entire BBL|10 season.

The 21-year-old hails from Surrey, who were successfully coached for several seasons by Di Venuto.

“I am incredibly excited about joining the Hurricanes. I’ve heard from other English players how good the Big Bash is and I’m looking forward to the opportunity,” Jacks said.

Will Jacks of Surrey bats during the T20 Vitality Blast Final between Surrey and Nottinghamshire at Edgbaston on October 04, 2020 in Birmingham, England. (Photo by Jordan Mansfield/Getty Images for Surrey CCC)

“We managed to reach the final of the T20 Blast at home this summer, so I’m looking forward to hopefully going one step further with Hobart.

“I know ‘Diva’ very well from his time with Surrey, so I’m excited to work with him and head coach Adam Griffith.”

Jacks had a breakout year in 2018 in a campaign which saw Surrey win the Championship under Di Venuto’s guidance.

He made his first-class debut in all three forms of the game aged just 19, and scored a maiden county century against Gloucestershire at The Oval in the One Day Cup, including four sixes in his 121 from 100 balls.

However it was an effort in a practice match in Dubai last March which shot him to international attention.

In a 10-over match against Lancashire he blasted an incredible century from only 25 balls, including hitting six sixes in the one over.

Jacks, who was named player of the tournament in England’s T20 Blast competition this year, also showed his prowess with the ball in taking 13 wickets at an economy rate of just 6.46 with his off spin.

“Will is an exciting young player who is coming off a very successful T20 Blast in the UK,” Hurricanes coach Adam Griffith said.

“He gives us great flexibility in our batting group, as he can open the batting, or finish the innings batting in the middle order.

His off-spin bowling also adds another dimension to his game.”

Jacks signing comes off the announcement South African star Colin Ingram is joining the squad as early season replacement cover for Dawid Malan, who will miss the first two weeks of the tournament due to international commitments and quarantine requirements.

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