9-y-o cricket prodigy makes history in Rovman Powell T20 Bash

History was written on September 21 when Gray strode out onto the field to bat for Gifted Hands Academy against National Water Commission at the St Catherine Prison Oval Cricket Ground. 

The grade five student is a rising star in Jamaican cricket, balancing schoolwork at Mona Preparatory, training, and a growing reputation on the pitch.

The tournament that gave him this historic stage was created by none other than Rovman Powell, one of Jamaica’s biggest cricketing exports. Born and raised in Bannister, Old Harbour, Powell rose from Davis Primary and Old Harbour High to become an international T20 superstar and West Indies captain. His community-driven T20 Bash not only unites top talent from across the island but also shines a spotlight on future stars — making it the perfect platform for Gray’s breakthrough.

For Gray, the breakthrough has been both exciting and demanding. He trains five days a week, often squeezing in sessions after long days at school. “I have a training schedule to balance training and school. Sometimes it’s hard when I have

homework and I have to train but I always do my homework first before I train,” he explained. Still, his love for cricket keeps him motivated. “The reason why I love cricket is because it is a fun sport where we have to exercise and those things,” he said.

Gray’s love for cricket was sparked during the COVID-19 pandemic, when his father, QC Junior Gray, introduced him to the game as a way to stay active. “There was nothing to do in the house, so I introduced him to cricket because I used to play cricket and I have a bigger son that plays cricket for Jamaica Under-15,” Gray explained. “From then, he just loved it. He’s very competitive, always wanting to challenge his brother Jahdai.”

That sense of competition between siblings became an important motivator. While his older brother represented Kingston Cricket Club, Gray deliberately chose to play for another club, determined to challenge his brother on the field. “He loves that kind of competition,” his father said laughing.

What began with his father’s encouragement quickly grew into serious training. The young batsman has benefited from the guidance of several well-known cricketing figures, including coaches Andre Bryce, Derval Ellis, and former West Indies players Nikita Miller and Carlton Baugh Jr.

Ellis, who has worked with Gray since the pandemic, marveled at the boy’s maturity.

“For a child that young, he has a very mature mind in terms of cricket. He adapts very well, and his love for the game brings forth this talent that we are seeing,” Ellis said. “No matter how tired he is, he still wants to train. He is never too tired to do a session.”

Baugh Jr echoed that sentiment, calling him a “very promising young talent” with the right mentality. “He knows what he wants and what he’s all about when it comes to batting. He loves to bat and practice for hours. At this stage, he has the right attitude that will allow his love for cricket to develop into a future star player.”

His standout performance came while representing Gifted Hands Academy, one of the community teams in the Rovman Powell T20 Bash. Competing against older and more experienced players, Gray didn’t just hold his own — he turned heads with his composure and skill. He made only one run in that game, but what impressed cricket purists at the venue was “how long he lasted” - a fundamental trait for any cricketer with ambitions of playing at the highest level.  

With no equal among his peers, Gray has been playing Under-15 cricket for the last three years his dad revealed. His highest score is an unbeaten 20, but “what he has going for him against the bigger boys is, he bats for long periods”. 

“He bats like for one hour and 57 minutes in this competition against Boys Town. When he played against Lucas, he batted for 57 minutes. So, the hallmark of his batting is him being able to negotiate the bowling of the bigger boys and that’s what gives him an edge over his age group,” the senior Gray explained to Old Harbour News. “In his age group, there is no competition that he has played in for his age group, because there is no age-group cricket for his age, so he’s always have to be playing against older boys.”

The prodigious talent caught the eye of Powell himself, who celebrated the milestone with a post on Instagram, stating: “His passion, determination, and fearless spirit prove that AGE is no barrier when talent and hard work shine through.”

For Gray, the experience was both humbling and motivating. “I feel humbled. I am very happy for the experience,” he tells  Old Harbour News.

Currently representing Melbourne Cricket Club in the Kingston Wharves Under-15 Tournament and playing for Gifted Hands Academy, 4Milla Academy, and Bryce’s Cricket Development and Enhancement Academy, Gray is already making waves.

His growing reputation is not confined to Jamaica. International players have also taken notice. His father recalled a particularly special moment when Australian fast bowler Scott Boland gifted Gray a bag of cricket gear. “Scott Boland was leaving Jamaica when he checked in at the airport then come back outside just to give Niely a bag and told him, ‘go and be great’,” his father shared proudly.

Many cricketing legends see Gray’s early potential including former West Indies captain Jimmy Adams who predicted five years ago that Gray would be ready to play for Jamaica by the age of 10.

While cricket takes up much of his time, education remains a priority. His favorite subject is mathematics, and his father is determined to ensure his son’s academics never fall behind. Scholarship offers have already come in from several prominent high schools since he was in grade three, but the family remains cautious. “We still have to wait and see which one will give us the best compensation package. And who can give us the best balance between the sport and education. We're kinda leaning to a particular school for now,” his father said.

At home in Portmore, cricket is not just a game but a way of life. The family’s living room has seen its fair share of broken televisions and other appliances, victims of stray balls during indoor practice sessions. “We play cricket almost every day, we gone about three TV that ball or bat hit already… we play inside, outside, everywhere,” his father admitted. Despite the damages, the family remains fully supportive, knowing they are nurturing a dream.

For Gray, the dream is clear. “I want to become a professional cricketer,” he said confidently. On career day at school, while classmates dressed as doctors, lawyers, or firefighters, he showed up in full cricket whites, declaring his ambition with pride.

And with his passion, discipline, and fearless spirit, he is well on his way. With encouragement from his family, guidance from respected coaches, and support from stars like Rovman Powell, Chris Gayle, and Brian Lara who have already met him and are aware of his talent, Jathniel Gray’s journey is only just beginning.

Jamaica has always been home to cricketing legends, and if his story so far is any indication, this nine-year-old prodigy may one day join their ranks.