Nottinghamshire’s Luke Wood has been named in England’s Under-19 squad for the upcoming ICC U19 Cricket World Cup.
Wood is one of 15 set to travel to the UAE for the tournament, with England facing the hosts on February 14, before matches against Sri Lanka and New Zealand in the other two group games.
After an excellent summer with Nottinghamshire’s Second XI and Academy side, Wood was called up to the Under-19s before Christmas, following an injury to Tom Barber. According to Chris Tolley, this tour could see Wood at his best.
"Sometimes Luke's route in can be a very good one," he said.
"Last time, his call up came because of an injury, but this time Luke has achieved a place as a result of hard work before Christmas, which meant he joined the squad already fit and sharp.
"Luke bowled well in a weekend camp ahead of the last tour, and was rewarded by being called up at the last minute. He put himself in the frame to be included and acquitted himself well.
"This time, he is positioned well for for future selection ahead of what could be a very important season.
"Luke has always done well in one-day cricket. Being involved in the under 19s T20 World Cup will be perfect for him to push on and stake a claim for a place in Nottinghamshire’s limited-overs side.
"That should be a realistic ambition for him, and exposure to professional setups with England and here at Trent Bridge will do him the world of good.'
England Under 19 Squad:
1. Will Rhodes (Yorkshire) - Captain
2. Ed Barnard (Worcestershire)
3. Joe Clark (Worcestershire)
4. Ben Duckett (Northamptonshire)
5. Harry Finch (Sussex)
6. Matthew Fisher (Yorkshire)
7. Miles Hammond (Gloucestershire)
8. Ryan Higgins (Middlesex)
9. Robert Jones (Lancashire)
10. Robert Sayer (Leicestershire)
11. Josh Shaw (Yorkshire)
12. Dominic Sibley (Surrey)
13. Jonathan Tattersall (Yorkshire) - Vice-Captain
14. Jack Winslade (Surrey)
15. Luke Wood (Nottinghamshire)