Young allrounder wins $30,000 scholarship

The first winner of the Rexona Australian Youth Cricket Scholarship, launched last year by Ricky Ponting, is Moises Henriques, 17, from Sydney. Ten boys were nominated as finalists for the award, with Henriques' allround skills and strong leadership qualities giving him the edge.

"This is a dream come true", he said. "My sporting ambition is to play cricket for Australia, and this opportunity will hopefully help me to achieve that."

Henriques will receive $30,000 over three years to assist him with his educational and sporting pursuits. As well as this, he will have the opportunity to meet and spend valuable time with Ricky Ponting.

"The scholarship is sure to be the beginning of even greater things for Moises. I know from my own experience how important the right encouragement and support can be, and I know the Rexona Australian Youth Cricket Scholarship will provide that for him," said Ponting. "I look forward to the time I will be spending with this talented young player".

Henriques was the youngest member of the Australian team at the U19 World Cup in Bangladesh earlier this year. He is also the youngest player in history to take 10 wickets in a Sydney first-grade match. He is currently a student at Endeavour Sports High School and is planning to study a Bachelor of IT and Mathematics at university.

Trevor Hohns, Australia's chairman of selectors, praised his talent, saying: "Moises is a genuine allrounder who would be selected in sides for his bowling or his batting alone. He is also a talented academic who maintained his school work for the five weeks he was away with the Australian Under-19 team. At only 17 years of age, he is an outstanding prospect and certainly has a bright future."