Full Name: Jake Dunford Date of Birth: December 21, 1994 Birthplace: Jersey Role: Wicketkeeper-Batter | Right-Handed Batter Every successful cricket team needs a player who binds the unit together—not just through stats, but through presence, energy, and heart. For Jersey, that player has long been Jake Dunford. Jake is the team’s trusted wicketkeeper-batter, and often, its emotional core. Agile behind the stumps, dependable with the bat, and a natural leader, Dunford has quietly anchored Jersey’s cricketing rise over the last decade. Born and raised in Jersey, Jake’s cricket journey began early, and it quickly became clear that he had an innate gift for the game’s most specialized role—wicketkeeping. His quick reflexes, sharp anticipation, and fearless approach made him a standout junior. As he matured, so did his responsibilities. By his early twenties, Dunford had already become a key part of Jersey’s senior setup, often entrusted with vice-captaincy and leadership duties when required. What makes Jake such a vital cog in the Jersey machine is his glove work. He is rarely flashy, but always efficient. Whether standing up to spinners like Dominic Blampied or managing pace from Julius Sumerauer, Dunford’s glovework is consistently sharp. His stumping against Germany in the 2021 ICC T20 Europe Qualifier—executed in a flash off a wide leg break—was replayed countless times, becoming a highlight moment in the tournament. Behind the stumps, Jake also plays a key mental role. Constantly communicating, lifting bowlers, and organizing the field, his voice keeps the team focused. In tight games, he’s the calm in the chaos, always encouraging and reading the game with a tactical eye. With the bat, Dunford has played numerous invaluable innings down the order. While not a power hitter, he is a technician—able to rotate strike, run hard between wickets, and bat deep into innings. One of his finest moments came in a pressure-cooker match against Uganda during the ICC Challenge League. Coming in at 60 for 5, Jake steadied the ship with a gritty 46 off 65 balls, stitching vital partnerships and guiding Jersey to a defendable total. It was a knock full of maturity, patience, and leadership. Over the years, Dunford has been part of some of Jersey’s most memorable moments—multiple ICC World Cup Qualifier events, T20I wins over higher-ranked teams, and the team’s steady rise in world cricket. He’s seen the evolution firsthand and played a pivotal role in it. Off the field, Jake is known for his level-headed nature and approachability. He’s deeply respected by teammates and often acts as a mentor to younger players like Charlie Brennan and Rhys Mariu. Beyond cricket, he’s involved in promoting the sport locally, helping nurture Jersey’s next generation. Now in his early thirties, Jake Dunford, with jersey number 42, continues to stand as the steady heartbeat of Jersey cricket. Not just a wicketkeeper or batter—but a leader, motivator, and one of the most loyal servants of the game on the island.