Young Bears Tazeem Ali and Theo Wylie have been named in England’s Under-19s squad to face a touring Sri Lanka youth side later this summer.
Leg spinner Ali – who turns 18 tomorrow – and all-rounder Wylie are included in a 16-player squad that will play three ODIs between 28 June and 3 July.
Their inclusion follows impressive displays in the ICC Under-19s World Cup earlier this year.
Ali was the fourth leading wicket taker in South Africa with 14 in four games, including the best figures of the tournament when claiming 7/29 against Zimbabwe.
Opener Wylie, aged 18, hit 61 in that final group game and also took 4/42 against Australia.
The first Youth ODI will be played under lights at the Cloud County Ground, Chelmsford, on 28 June followed by two games at the 1st Century County Ground, Hove on 1 and 3 July.
England Men Under-19s coach, Mike Yardy, said: “We have selected an exciting squad for the series, with a blend of some players who are currently playing in the Vitality Blast and some younger players for whom it will be their first time in an Under-19s squad.
“As always, it’s a great opportunity for the players to perform in an England Under-19 shirt and to experience international cricket.”
Bears 18-year-old batter Hamza Shaikh – who also represented England in the U19s World Cup – isn’t named in the ODI squad.
That’s because he’s in line to feature for a First Class Counties XI to face the West Indies in a three-day game in Kent starting on 3 July.
Two four-day Youth Tests will also be played at Wormsley CC, High Wycombe from 8-11 July and Cheltenham from 16-19 July. The red ball squad will be announced at a later date.
Buy your Vitality Blast tickets in advance & save
Tickets for this summer’s Vitality Blast are on sale now and fans can save up to £6 when purchased in advance.
Tickets available from just £22, while under 16s are only £5. And make further savings when you book as a group of six or more.
