Australia Under-19s hold World Cup focus

Australia's Under-19 squad will undergo a reconnaissance mission in Malyasia in September to prepare for next year's Youth World Cup. The outfit will contest two one-day games against Malaysia, who will host the global tournament in February, on the way to a five-match series with Pakistan in October.

"Playing in Malaysia will provide a valuable opportunity for the coaching staff and players to gain experience in the conditions," Geoff Tamblyn, the youth selection panel chairman, said. The final squad for the tournament will be picked after the national under-19 championships in December, but all players on the Asian tour will be available.

"Our fast-bowling stocks have been boosted with Kane Richardson and James Faulkner both available for selection after injury," Tamblyn said. "It's exciting they are getting the opportunity now after missing out on the team's previous tour."

Australia beat Pakistan 3-2 in a one-day series in Queensland in April and the return leg will give the players another chance to test themselves against the world champions. A 13-man squad was picked for the tour while Jeremy Smith and Jamie Smith, who has played three limited-overs games for South Australia, were placed on standby. Michael Hill has a rookie contract with Victoria, Faulkner is on a similar deal at Tasmania and Philip Hughes, who scored two centuries against Pakistan, is on the books of New South Wales.

Australia Under-19 squad Isaiah Borgas (SA), Daniel Burns (NSW), James Faulkner (Tas), Josh Hazelwood (NSW), Michael Hill (Vic), Philip Hughes (NSW), Anthony Murphy (WA), Dom O'Brien (Qld), Sam Robson (NSW), Clive Rose (Vic), Kane Richardson (NT), Kumar Sarna (Vic), Mitchell Starc (NSW), Jeremy Smith (Tas, standby), Jamie Smith (SA, standby).