Young Talent Time

In a new addition to the Cricket Victoria Academy program, the 50-over fixture will serve as an ideal lead in to the National Championships in Hobart, which will be staged from December 2 to 12.

Under-19 Victorian coach Jarrad Loughman is excited by the prospect of his players being challenged by some of the players who have walked in their footsteps.

“This game is an exciting concept – it will provide the ideal preparation for the under-19 squad in the lead-up to Hobart,” Loughman said.

“It’s the perfect opportunity for the guys to focus on their roles individually and gel as a team in a competitive environment against older, talented cricketers.

“Obviously it’s a great opportunity for the players selected in the under-20 squad too – I’m sure they’ll be looking to take it right up to us, which will be a good challenge.”

The under-20 squad was selected by the State Youth Selection Panel and comprises of players from 10 different Premier Cricket clubs.

The squad is a combination of players that have previously represented Victoria at underage level, played at Premier 1^st XI level or have shown potential for their respective clubs.

Under-20 coach Chris Harris believes that the game will serve as a great opportunity for his players to showcase their skills.

“I’m really looking forward to the game,” Harris said.

“The under-20 squad is well balanced and has some genuine emerging talent.

“It’s an exciting prospect for these players who have progressed from the youth pathway to display their skills in front of interested observers from Cricket Victoria and possibly Cricket Australia.”

Carlton young gun Patty McKenna has been announced as the under-19 Victorian captain, despite being the youngest member of the squad.

McKenna returns to the helm as skipper, having previously captained the under-17 Victorian side to glory at last year’s National Championships, with under-19 Australian quick Matt Fotia to serve as his vice-captain.

Melbourne all-rounder and former under-19 Victorian representative Jack Paynter will skipper the under-20 squad.

Play commences at 10.30am on Sunday.

Under-20 Bartercard Premier Cricket Invitational squad: Pat Ashton (Ringwood), Jack Harper (Monash Tigers), Adam Hutton (Prahran), Sam Kerber (Monash Tigers), Nathan Lambden (Dandenong), Josh Manning (St Kilda), Nick Morrey (Prahran), Jack Paynter (C) (Melbourne), Mark Phelan (Carlton), Justin Powick (Northcote), Tom Russ (Camberwell Magpies) and Hamish Winter-Irving (Footscray Edgewater).

Under-19 Victorian squad: Ejaaz Alavi (Fitzroy-Doncaster), Ben Ashkenazi (Frankston Peninsula), Jack Blain (Ringwood), Matt Fotia (Ringwood), Shea Gribben (St Kilda), Sean Griffin (Monash Tigers), James Lidgett (Greenvale Kangaroos), Pat McKenna – (C)  (Carlton), Jack Rudd (Fitzroy-Doncaster), Rob Salerni (Frankston Peninsula), Matt Short (Northcote), Jack Taylor (Prahran) and Jake Wood (Frankston Peninsula).