Adam Ball earns England call-up for U-19 World Cup
The Kent allrounder will be replacing Somerset's Calum Haggett, who withdrew from the squad on medical advice
Cricinfo staff
22-Dec-2009
Kent allrounder Adam Ball has been drafted into England's squad for the Under-19 World Cup in New Zealand from January 15-30, the ECB announced today. The 16-year-old is a member of the ECB Fast Bowling Elite group and will be replacing Somerset's Calum Haggett, who withdrew from the squad on medical advice.
Kevin Shine, ECB's lead fast bowling coach, was delighted with Ball's inclusion. "It's great to see a player of Adam's ability picked for such an important tournament," he said. "Adam is one of the most mature young players I have met; he is not only a talented left arm bowler but also a very useful batsman and athletic fielder."
The 15-man squad will depart on January 1 for Wellington where they will spend a week acclimatising, before reporting to Christchurch for the start of the tournament. England are scheduled to play two warm-up matches - against Papua New Guinea on January 11 and New Zealand the next day.
England's first match in Group A will be against Hong Kong on January 16, followed by Afghanistan and holders India. The top two teams in each group will progress to the quarter finals.