Jerome Taylor said that Sussex team-mate Delray Rawlins is an inspiration for other young Bermudians aspiring to play professional cricket.

Encouraged by the considerable strides that Rawlins has made in recent months, the West Indies fast bowler urged the teenage all-rounder to keep learning and putting in the hard work, stressing that it is a “big feat” for a player from a tiny island such as Bermuda to have made it this far.

“It is a big feat knowing that Bermuda doesn’t play international cricket, per se, and for someone to come from that small island and get this far is a big plus — trust me,” Taylor said. “A lot more can take inspiration from him and know that they can reach far.”

Rawlins, 19, completed a meteoric climb through English cricket last month after making his first-class debut in Sussex’s opening 2017 Specsavers County Championship opener with Kent, at Hove.

“Anyone that makes a first-class debut as a teenager is a big plus because you know you have years to come,” Taylor added. “If he can keep his head on his shoulders he can get far.

“It’s a big job at hand and for you to keep your position you have to always be a student of the game and willing to learn and willing to listen. Once you’re open to ideas and can take on stuff and not get flustered, you can go far. But it’s hard work, commitment and dedication.”

Jamaican Taylor marked a triumphant return to the English county game at Hove yesterday, claiming one for 54 in Sussex’s 59-run victory over Glamorgan via Duckworth/Lewis in the Royal London One-Day Cup on his club debut.

“It’s good to get a feel of things again,” he said. “I’m enjoying it, even though it’s just for the limited over version.

“I got in on [Monday] and had to be on the park today to play, and it was a pleasure to be here with the guys and come up with a victory.

“The guys really fought hard today to get this win and they really deserved to win.”

Taylor shared the new ball with former West Indies Under-19 fast bowler Jofra Archer, who claimed two for 30.

“Young Archer played Under-19 cricket for West Indies and stuff like that and I heard about him, so to meet him in person was a fantastic feeling,” he added.

“Sharing the new ball with Archer was a pleasure. We can only look for greater things to come, and I hope he can continue improving.”

Rawlins, meanwhile, featured in Sussex second XI’s seven — wicket defeat against Middlesex at Southgate in north London.

The left-handed batsman scored 12 runs from 23 balls batting at No 3 and went none for 33 with his left-arm spin after being brought into the visitors’ attack as fifth change.