Victorian under-19 squad selected

Staged from January 7 to 17, Commonwealth Bank Bushrangers rookie Meyrick Buchanan headlines an impressive line-up that is hoping to capture the state’s second title in three years.

In a dramatic overhaul from one season to the next, Mallee Murray Bulls’ Jack Paynter and Buchanan are the sole returnees from last year’s side.

Despite the turnover, Victorian coach Shawn Flegler is confident with the squad he has assembled and will also have some high-profile help at the carnival with Australia A spinner Jon Holland agreeing to serve as a mentor while he recovers from shoulder surgery.

“It’s a fairly well balanced squad,” Flegler said.

“The guys have gelled pretty well and they seem like they are fairly close-knit.

“It will be a good opportunity to have Dutchy (Holland) there as a bit of a mentor, he should be good.”

With Buchanan contracted to the Melbourne Renegades, and Prahran’s Jack Taylor on the supplementary list, Flegler said the side would draft alternate players into his squad if either was required for the KFC T20 Big Bash League.

While Dom McGlinchey and Corey Ogle were both selected in last year’s side, the latter having to withdraw on the eve of the tournament after being diagnosed with stress fractures, the fast-bowling pair failed to survive today’s final cut alongside Josh Manning.

The Under-19 National Championships will consist of two one-day matches and three two-day matches.

Victorian under-19 squad

Meyrick Buchanan – Barwon Rockets
Scott Dixon – Barwon Rockets
Jack Paynter – Mallee Murray Bulls
Ben Ashkenazi – Sth East Country Sharks
Sam Kerber – Western Waves
Tom Russ – Inner East Emus
Mark Phelan – Northern Falcons
Pat Ashton – Outer East Eagles
Matthew Fotia – Outer East Eagles
Jack Harper – Outer East Eagles
Lincoln Edwards – Sth East Bayside Breakers
Liam Tonkin – Sth East Bayside Breakers
Jack Taylor – Southern Metro Pioneers