KERSHASKI JOHN LEWIS was sporting a broad smile as he walked off the field after making the highest-ever Bradford Premier League individual score.

The 21-year-old from Dominica made 237 not out for Carlton as they scored a thumping 217-run win at Jer Lane in Championship Two.

John Lewis struck 25 fours and 17 sixes off 134 balls as he beat the previous best of 227 not out set by Alex Lees for Lightcliffe against Bradford & Bingley in 2017.

John Lewis, who was a late replacement after Carlton’s original overseas player was refused a visa, is certainly proving a shrewd choice.

The West Indian was playing only his third innings in England and during his record-breaking knock he surpassed his previous best of 160.

While celebrating with his jubilant Carlton colleagues, John Lewis spoke of his pride at setting a new league record.

“I was hitting the ball well from the start and just as I have in my other innings, I felt confident," he said. "I had a good season back home and I have just been able to carry on the same way.

“I gave one chance in the sixties and another when I had 130, but it went well for me. The ball was hitting the middle of my bat.”

John Lewis had to cope with a rain break when the league record was in sight. “When we came off the players told me I had broken the club record and needed four for the league record," he added.

“When we got back on, I managed to get there. I am so happy.”

Carlton cricket chairman Philip Hulme is delighted with his new recruit. He said: “I am so pleased for him. He is a tremendous lad who has settled in and become a very popular figure on and off the field.

“I am really grateful to the cricketing friend who recommended him to me when our overseas player could not come. He told me about Kershaski, who is a top amateur player in Dominica, and we arranged to bring him over.

“We managed to arrange for him to stay with a friend in Bradford and he has settled in quickly.

“He had never been to England before, but you wouldn’t know it. He has made a huge impact and we are all going to celebrate his record with him.”