Somerset wicketkeeper-batter Thomas Rew, fresh from his stint with the England Lions in Australia, has been named captain of England’s squad for the ICC Under-19 Men’s Cricket World Cup. Farhan Ahmed, who led the side in Rew’s absence during the recent Youth ODI series against West Indies, will serve as vice-captain.
The squad features a mix of experienced county players and exciting newcomers, including left-arm spinner Ali Farooq, who earns his maiden call-up.
England U19 Squad:
Thomas Rew (c), Farhan Ahmed, Ralphie Albert, Ben Dawkins, Caleb Falconer, Ali Farooq, Alex French, Alex Green, Luke Hands, Manny Lumsden, Ben Mayes, James Minto, Isaac Mohammed, Joe Moores, Sebastian Morgan.
Head coach Michael Yardy expressed confidence in the team’s balance and potential. “This is an amazing opportunity for the players to not only wear an England shirt at a World Cup but also to try and achieve something special. We have a core group with county experience who have developed camaraderie playing together for the U19s, which will serve them well during the tournament,” Yardy said.
He added, “I want the players to enjoy this opportunity in a beautiful country like Zimbabwe, embrace the chance to compete against different nations, and show their quality.”
England U19s will be based in Zimbabwe and have been drawn in Group C of the 16-team tournament. They open their campaign against Pakistan in Harare on Friday, 16 January, followed by matches against co-hosts Zimbabwe and Scotland. The top three teams from the group stage will advance to the next round.
