Jason Oakes

Jason is a quality emerging Keeper/Batsman from Durban, South Africa. A patient right-hander and outstanding wicket-keeper, Jason is the current first choice ‘Keeper/Bat for the Kwa-Zulu Natal provincial side. Jason is also a capable Leg-Spinner, learning from master Dolphin all-rounder, Daryn Smit.

A former student at Westville Boys High School, where he was prolific and a regular for KZN-Natal age group representative teams, Jason has slowly transitioned from U19 star to Provincial mens regular. Having been the 4th highest run scorer at the 2013-14 Khaya Majola Coke Week with 208 runs @ 34.66. Capable of batting anywhere from 3 to 6, Jason is a busy cricketer who looks to build his innings while looking to keep the game going forward. Working towards breaking into the Dolphins franchise team, as a wicket-keeper/batsman, Jason is certainly on the right pathway having worked his way through the ranks from playing for the S.A. Schools Colts, S.A. Colts U23, Dolphins Academy and now the Provincial team.

A strong 2016-17 season with 371 First Class runs including a personal best 108 against South Western Districts as well as being KZN-Natal’s leading one day run scorer so far this summer lead Jason to seek his first season in the UK in 2017. He joined Brixham in a tough campaign, scoring 500 runs and taking 18 wickets.

In summer 2018, following an outstanding First Class season, with 490 runs @ 49.00, Jason joined Valley End CC for their Surrey Championship Div 1 campaign. Improving on his 2017 season, Jason scored 523 runs @ 40.23 before having to head home early for Dolphins pre-season. He returned to the UK in summer 2019, joining Bridgwater CC for the West of England Premier League campaign and whilst it proved a difficult year with bat in hand, his work behind the stumps was exceptional, collecting 40 dismissals to go with 480 runs.

Jason returned in 2021, linking with Ludlow CC in the Shropshire Premier Division, scoring 614 runs @ 32.32 and again bagging wickets, with 31 @ 16.10 for the summer. In summer 2022, Jason had the summer we all knew he could have, piling on 1253 runs @ 56.95 and chiming in with 27 wickets as well.

A wetter summer 2023 saw his numbers drop, like many others but being such a popular character, he’ll no doubt return in 2024.

A genuinely lovely guy, Jason will be a great pick up for a club seeking a top order batsman for this summer that is great behind the stumps and capable of bowling seam up or leg spin.