Hamza Shaikh named in England Men’s Under-19s Test squad

Warwickshire's Hamza Shaikh has been named in a 13-player England Men Under-19s squad for this month’s two Youth Tests against Australia Under-19s.

Shaikh, 17, has been in dazzling form in recent weeks, as England and Australia battled it out over five Youth ODIs.

The Knowle and Dorridge CC product, who has played nine List A matches for the Bears, top scored across both teams with 235 runs at an average of 47.

Young Lions Head Coach, Mike Yardy, said: “We are excited to play two competitive Under-19s Tests against Australia. After two high-quality games last winter in Australia, I expect the same, watching the best young players go head-to-head in red-ball cricket.”

Captain Ben McKinney is one of four players who are retained from the squad that drew 1-1 with Australia U19s in two Youth Tests during the winter. McKinney’s fellow Durham team-mate Ross Whitfield and Hampshire duo Eddie Jack and Dominic Kelly were also part of the Test squad in Australia.

England Men’s U19s Test squad

Ben McKinney (Durham – captain)
Farhan Ahmed (Nottinghamshire)
Charlie Allison (Essex)
Luc Benkenstein (Essex)
Jack Carney (Lancashire)
Jaydn Denly (Kent)
Daniel Hogg (Durham)
Eddie Jack (Hampshire)
Dom Kelly (Hampshire)
Hamza Shaikh (Warwickshire)
Noah Thain (Essex)
Raphael Weatherall (Northamptonshire)
Ross Whitfield (Durham)

Youth Test Series v Australia U19s

1st Youth Test: England U19s v Australia U19s, New Road, Worcester – 8-11 September
2nd Youth Test: England U19s v Australia U19s, County Ground, Northampton – 16-19 September