NAME: Zeniffe Fowler

DOB: November 11, 1987

TEAM: Mico University College

TREASURED POSITION: Batting

PERSONAL BEST: 109 runs

WITH a character full of persistence, Zeniffe Fowler has already achieved his ‘fairytale’ expectations. With a continued desire to defeat the odds, the young cricketer gave TEENage’s Stars Of Tomorrow an exclusive inside track on how he found cricket and where it has taken him.

Fowler in 2005, magnificently conjured a total of 924 runs, including five centuries, making him the leading scorer in the schoolboy Headley Cup with an average of 77.4 runs, when he competed for St Elizabeth Technical High School (STETHS). His mark has yet to be beat.

Amassing huge totals, both on the local and international scene, Fowler emphasised that his success has to do with his disciplined training, and incessant practice on weak areas.

“Training for me is important, that is how I get ready for a game. I also work on weak areas on a continual basis so that I can be well rounded,” the youngster noted.

The right-handed hard-hitter explained that he was inspired from a tender age playing cricket at primary school, and with the family. “My interest was always about playing cricket.”

With a personality that dictates that he aims for accolades, the youngster explained that he treasures the opportunity to open the innings and get it off on the right note.

Fowler informed Stars Of Tomorrow that one of his earliest memories was at STETHS, playing Under-14, smashing 35 runs against Lacovia High.

“I vividly recall those 35 runs, due to the fact that it was my debut match for STETHS,” Fowler said with enthusiasm.

In fact, the young rising star also hails the Junior Bennett, the tactician, who guided Jamaica to three straight four-day cricket titles from 2008 to 2010, for his time and the experience he evoked.

“The most influential person on my career is Sir Bennett, and I, therefore, have to thank him for his time and experience,” he added.

With batting legend Brian Lara standing as his main source of inspiration, Fowler too has been inked in the record books, being the first Jamaican to score an unbeaten 109 runs against Barbados, held in St Vincent at the regional Under-15 cricket challenge in 2003. In 2004, Fowler captured the Under-19 cricket challenge in Jamaica, setting a personal landmark of 83 runs at that level.

Fowler has travelled to six countries inclusive of Brazil, Antigua, USA, Panama, St Vincent and Trinidad & Tobago.

The batting phenom also wishes to see a change in the bowling restrictions against teams.

“I am a batsman, but making the game much more exciting, I think short ball limit should be increased from two to three,” Fowler mused.

Fowler added a few words for upcoming youngsters: “You have to be disciplined, be willing to work hard, never give in to the critics, and do your best in improving your craft.”