Delray Rawlins has been offered a place in the Sussex Cricket Academy.

The Bermuda slow left-arm bowler, who is at school in Britain, has been given the opportunity after impressing coaches at a trial.

Rawlins has already had an opportunity to train with the county side’s first-team players, and said being in that environment was “a great experience.”

Clay Smith, who helped Rawlins to make the move to England a couple of years ago, said that he had no doubt the player had all the attributes to succeed in the game.

“Having been very close to Delray over the last few years, I have seen him grow in both stature and maturity,” Smith said. “His cricketing ability is something I always boast about because he is an exceptional talent. However, one thing that stands out in my mind about him and that is his passion for the game.

“We could be sitting down watching a movie or football, but if cricket is on, you can guarantee he would want to watch cricket.

“It didn’t matter who was playing, or what version of cricket they were playing, he just loves watching cricket.

“He is simply a cricket fanatic and because of his love for the game, along with his passion and ability I never doubted that this day would come. I wish him the best in this new endeavour, as this is just the beginning of what I’m sure will be a very prosperous career.”

Rawlins has been able to attend St Bede’s school with help from the Bermuda Cricket Board, and is the latest in a long line of players who have benefited from the BCB’s help in furthering their academic and cricketing education.

“Despite the significantly reduced funding position the BCB continues to work hard to assist and place young aspiring cricketers in quality high school and university environments,” the BCB said. “The BCB has been successful with a number of players to get access to top-class academic schooling and outstanding cricket.

“Delray Rawlins is a great example of this, throughout 2013 and 2014 the BCB worked with Bede’s, and Sussex CCC, to provide both a scholarship from the school and trial opportunities for the County Academy.”