U-19 World Cup squad unveiled

Earlier today, Australia named a 15-man squad for next month’s World Cup in the United Arab Emirates, with Ben Ashkenazi, Matt Fotia and Guy Walker forming a ferocious pace attack.

Commonwealth Bank Bushrangers rookie Matt Short has also been included in the squad and is likely to open the batting.

“The ICC Under-19 Cricket World Cup is a wonderful opportunity for our country’s best young talent to perform on the international stage, following in the footsteps of players like Michael Clarke, Shane Watson and Mitchell Johnson, who have previously taken the field for Australia in the youth World Cup,” Cricket Australia National Talent Manager Greg Chappell said.

“The balance and flexibility of this squad is pleasing, containing a solid core of Australia’s most exciting cricketers.

“Alex Gregory and James Bazley can bat up the order and bowl pace, helping make up a strong bowling contingent, including Billy Stanlake, Ben Ashkenazi, Matt Fotia, Cameron Valente and Guy Walker.

“The depth of Australia’s fast bowling stocks is in good health and indicative of the high level of talent that continues to come through our system.

“Tom Andrews is our specialist spinner and will be supported by top-order batsmen Matthew Short and Kelvin Smith who each bowl quality off-spin.”

In recent times, Bushrangers including Cameron White, Peter Siddle and James Pattinson have gone on to play Test Cricket after representing Australia at the Under-19 World Cup.

Australia will compete in Group B of the tournament against Afghanistan, Bangladesh and Namibia with the top two teams progressing to the ICC U19 Cricket World Cup Super League quarter-finals.

Under-19 World Cup squad:

Tom Andrews (NT), Ben Ashkenazi (VIC), James Bazley (QLD), Jake Doran (NSW), Matt Fotia (VIC), Alex Gregory (SA), Ben McDermott (QLD), Jaron Morgan (WA), Damien Mortimer (NSW), Matt Short (VIC), Kelvin Smith (SA), Billy Stanlake (QLD), Cameron Valente (SA), Guy Walker (VIC) and Sean Willis (TAS).

Under-19 World Cup fixture:

Australia v Namibia – Saturday, February 15
Australia v Afghanistan – Monday, February 17
Australia v Bangladesh – Wednesday, February 19