Vitel’s law rules in U19 series - Jamaican spinner stings England in ODIs

A new star is emerging for the West Indies Under-19s, and he goes by the name of Vitel Lawes.

The Jamaican left-arm wrist-spinner has become the undisputed thorn in England's side, spinning his way to the top of the wicket-taking charts in their ongoing seven-game One Day International series in Grenada, where Windies Youth lead 3-1.

Through the first four matches, Lawes has been virtually unplayable, bagging a series-leading nine wickets.

His most devastating performance came in the fourth encounter yesterday, where his cunning variations and attacking lines yielded an impressive four for 35 from his full allotment of 10 overs.

SCORES:

WEST INDIES 280-7 in 50 overs (Joshua Dorne 80, Jonathan van Lange 80, Tanez Francis 51, Zachary Carter 34; Luke Hands 3-63, Farhan Ahmed 2-37).

ENGLAND 182 in 38.5 overs (Ben Dawkins 78, Caleb Falconer 32, Joe Moores 19, Ralphie Albert 14; Vitel Lawes 4-35, Shaquan Belle 3-34).

Lawes' returns yesterday followed an equally brilliant, yet heartbreaking, spell of four for 30 in the third game, a performance that ultimately came in a losing cause for the young Windies.

The 18-year-old's rise to prominence has been both rapid and deserved.

After a sensational season where he grabbed 42 wickets for St Jago High School in the Grace Shield competition, Lawes earned his place in the Jamaica squad for the Rising Stars Regional U19 tournament. There, he announced himself by leading the entire competition with 17 wickets in eight innings.

For those who have followed his journey, Lawes' success on the bigger stage is no surprise.

Shane Cole, one of his coaches at St Jago High, points to the spinner's humble beginnings in Linstead and an unrivalled work ethic as the driving forces behind his success.

"He comes from humble beginnings, so that would have, basically, motivated him even more, " Cole stated. "Once he gets the opportunity, he puts up his hand and, basically, tries his best to perform each time. And that would allow him or propel him forward. But overall, his work ethic, basically, put him above the rest."

Cole describes Lawes as a genuine bowling all-rounder, whose primary strength is his aggressive, wicket-taking mentality.

"He's a bowling all-rounder, so he bases his game on attacking the stumps and getting wickets. So he's a strike bowler for me. So bowling would be his strength. But he can bat, too," the coach added, highlighting the all-round potential of the St Catherine Cricket Club club player.

With three games remaining in the series, the future looks bright for the young Jamaican.

According to his coach, Lawes is only getting better, growing in confidence and bowling with the freedom and self-expression that marks a special talent.

For England's batsmen, the 'Vitel' threat is far from over.