Under-19 National Championships preview

For the first time at the Under 19 level, Victoria are fielding two squads with both a Metropolitan and Country squad taking part in the 50-over tournament.

Two players have also been invited to play with the Northern Territory squad, while there are a further two Victorians who will play with the Cricket Australia Under 17 squad, which has been picked following the Under 17 National Championships in October.

Cricket Victoria’s High Performance Academy coach Jarrad Loughman said that there was a strong expectation of being successful against elite talent from opposing states.

“We go into any tournament with the goal of being competitive and being successful,” Loughman said.

“We want to see strong individual performances which will contribute to team success.”

Loughman is coaching the Metro squad, and said that there were a number of opportunities for players to play well throughout the two-week tournament.

“Going to Adelaide, the pitches are really good for batting and the outfields are quick, so we’re hoping that our batting group can really make the most of the conditions.”

With the ICC Under 19 World Cup in Bangladesh next year, the incentive for players to play well and put their names forward for higher honours is obvious.

“The World Cup is a really good motivator and incentive for our guys,” Loughman said.

“The boys know that if they can make hundreds or take wickets they give themselves every chance of being selected for higher honours.”

Loughman was also full of praise for the players who had been selected for other squads taking part in the tournament.

“Blake Parsons and Jonathan Merlo definitely deserve to be in the Cricket Australia Under 17 side after great performances at the Under 17 National Championships,” he said.

“Ryan Quirk and Sam Elliot were unfortunate not to get selected in the Victorian squads, but it’s great that they are still able to take part with the Northern Territory team.”

Each side will play eight 50 over fixtures, which is the same format to that of the recently completed Matador BBQ’s One Day Cup at domestic level.

The Championships kick off on November 30 and will be played over two weeks.