Weatherley to lead England U19s in Australia

The England and Wales Cricket Board (ECB) today announced that Hampshire’s Joe Weatherley has been appointed as captain of the England Under-19s squad to play against Australia Under-19s in Western Australia next month.

Speaking about the appointment, England Development Programme Chairman of Selectors, David Graveney, said: “Joe is one of several players who is currently part of the EDP to have demonstrated strong leadership qualities since being involved with the programme.  We are always working to broaden the base of young, future leaders in the game, and his selection as captain of the England Under-19 squad for this tour represents the next step in his personal development as a player and as a leader.” 

Joe Weatherley added: “I was looking forward to the tour anyway and the captaincy is an added dimension.  I’ve done quite a lot of age group captaincy, and spoken to quite a few different people about it including Alastair Cook and also Andy Flower during the recent EDP training camp in Loughborough.  Obviously this will be a different level, but I’m really looking forward to it.”

Ahead of the tour, England Test captain Alastair Cook helped with squad preparations as he led a batting session during a three-day England Development Programme (EDP) training camp at the National Cricket Performance Centre (NCPC) in Loughborough. 

Commenting on the session, Alastair Cook said: “It’s been great to spend time with the England Under-19s before they go to Australia.  It was interesting for me to see the next generation and see what level they are at.  I’m pretty sure we will see a few England players from this group.

“It took me back to when I was an Under-19.  Eleven or 12 years ago I was in the same boat, dreaming of playing professional cricket, so it was great to come back.”

A video showing behind-the-scenes footage from the EDP batting session with Alastair Cook will be available to view in due course on ECB.co.uk.

During the month-long tour from March 25 – April 25, England U19s will play a five-match one-day series and one-off four-day match against Australia U19s, with all fixtures taking place in Western Australia.  Australia U19s will subsequently visit England in August this year for a reciprocal tour, also consisting of five one-day matches and one four-day fixture.

England Under-19 Squad: