England Announce U-19 Squad For India Tour, Matthew Fisher To Lead
Dec 24, 2018 at 12:40 PM
Matthew Fisher, who last played for England U-19 in 2014, is all set to make his comeback from a long injury layoff after being named the captain of England colts for their tour of India. The Yorkshire fast-bowler will lead the team in five ODIs starting in January before Max Holden takes charge of the team for the two four-day matches.
After becoming the youngest post-war player to represent Yorkshire in 2013, the bowler suffered a series of injuries and remained on the sidelines for the entire 2016 season.
Welcoming Fisher, England U-19s chairman of selectors, David Graveney said:“It is a major boost to have the ability and experience of Matthew Fisher back in the squad. He was a key figure in England’s success in the 2014 Under-19 World Cup in Dubai, and after he was affected by injuries in the 2016 summer, this is a good opportunity for him to test himself against his contemporaries in different conditions in India.”
At the same time, Graveney admitted touring India will be very challenging for the English youngsters. The England squad comprises of 10 uncapped players.
“Touring India at any level is challenging, as the senior England team would confirm. But that is why it is so valuable, to be able to expose our best young players to these challenges at Under-19 level,” Graveney said.
“We expect the India team to be very strong, as they showed in the Under-19 World Cup earlier this year and again in the Asia Cup, under the supervision of Rahul Dravid. So this is a huge opportunity for the 15 players who have been selected, especially with a return series against India at home next summer,” added Graveney.
Andy Hurry, who will be the head coach for the English colts, will be accompanied by England’s batting coach Mark Ramprakash, spin bowling coach Peter Such and Jon Lewis as the backroom staff.
The ODI series will start on January 30 in Mumbai.
England Under-19 squad: Matthew Fisher (one-day capt), Max Holden (four-day capt), Harry Brook, George Bartlett, Euan Woods, Will Jacks, Delray Rawlins, Ollie Pope, Tom Banton, Liam Patterson-White, Louie Shaw, Aaron Beard, Jack Blatherwick, Henry Brookes, Jack Bruce