Nottinghamshire Academy bowler Luke Wood has been added to the England Under 19s squad to face Pakistan and the United Arab Emirates in a tri-series in Dubai.
Wood joined the travelling party on Saturday having learned on Wednesday that he would be part of the 17-man squad following an injury to Hampshire’s Tom Barber.
“Luke has consolidated his standing as the leading wicket-taker in the Nottinghamshire Premier League with some good performances in one-day Second Eleven cricket which has proved his pedigree,” said Nottinghamshire’s Academy Director Chris Tolley.
“Luke is still growing but he can swing the ball and he is less reliant on stature than other types of fast bowler.” Chris Tolley.
“If he has a good trip then he’ll be in with a chance of keeping his place for the Under 19s World Cup in January.”
Wood joined the Nottinghamshire Academy as a 16 year old and has made steady progress. Shorter in stature than most emerging quicks, he has been praised for his control and his ability to swing the ball.
“Luke is still growing but he can swing the ball and he is less reliant on stature than other types of fast bowler,” said Tolley.
“It has been noticeable that he has put the effort in to develop his physical condition and, along with Ben Kitt, Hassan Azad and Simon Webster, he is benefitting from training with Nottinghamshire’s professional players and support staff.”
Two members of the original England Under 19s squad had been forced to withdraw after failing to meet minimum fitness standards. Northamptonshire’s Ben Duckett and Essex batsman Kishen will be given a further opportunity to meet the standards prior to selection of the final squad for the ICC U19s World Cup in January 2014.
“The England Development Programme and England U19 programme gives us an opportunity to set high standards and expectations for our future England cricketers,” said David Graveney, Chairman of Selectors for the England Development Programme.
“On this occasion Ben and Kishen did not meet the minimum standards required for selection so this presents a great opportunity for Luke Wood and Saqib Mahmood to experience a challenging overseas tour and to press their case for inclusion in the squad for the ICC U19 World Cup.”
Tolley has tasked Wood with making the most of the opportunity and earning a place in the World Cup squad.
“This selection has the potential to give Luke the confidence to take his game to the next level,” said Tolley.
“He’ll be comparing himself to his peers in this group and gaining a clear understanding of the standards being achieved by the best junior players in the country.”
England U19 Squad for UAE Tri-Series:
Edward Barnard - Worcestershire
Karl Carver - Yorkshire
Joseph Clarke - Worcestershire
Harry Finch - Sussex
Matthew Fisher - Yorkshire
Miles Hammond - Gloucestershire
Ryan Higgins - Middlesex
Robert Jones - Lancashire
Saqib Mahmood - Lancashire
Lewis McManus - Hampshire
William Rhodes - Yorkshire
Robert Sayer - Leicestershire
Josh Shaw - Yorkshire
Dominic Sibley - Surrey
Jonathan Tattersall - Yorkshire
Jack Winslade - Surrey
Luke Wood - Nottinghamshire