Commonwealth Bank Under-19 Championship Series underway in Newcastle

The 2001-02 Commonwealth Bank Under-19 Championship Series began yesterday (3 December) in Newcastle, New South Wales.

Played on various grounds in the local area, the competition consists of three rounds, semi-finals and a series of four finals played on 13 and 14 December to determine the winner and final standings.

The eight state and territory teams competing in the series are divided into two groups. Group A consists of New South Wales, Queensland, Victoria and Western Australia. Group B has the Australian Capital Territory, the Northern Territory, South Australia and Tasmania.

Queensland will attempt a hat-trick of championship titles this year after winning the series last year and sharing the honour with Victoria in 1999-2000.

The competition boasts a number of promising players, including current first-class cricketers Cameron Borgas (Southern Redbacks), Xavier Doherty (Tasmanian Tigers) and Shaun Marsh (Western Warriors). Many players at the competition hold state rookie contracts and/or Commonwealth Bank Cricket Academy scholarships.

ACB Chairman Bob Merriman said: "The Australian Cricket Board places great emphasis on the Commonwealth Bank Under-19 Championship Series. The development and promotion of our youth is vital in maintaining Australia's current status as the world's leading cricket nation.

"The series is a breeding ground for the next generation of first-class cricketers and the young players use it as a stepping stone on the career path to the top."

Since the series' inception in 1969-70, 110 competitors have gone on to play Test cricket. More than 450 have played at the first-class level.

Cricketers at this year's event will not only be playing for state and territory pride. Good performances could see some players come into contention for 2002 ICC Under-19 World Cup selection. The under-19 World Cup will be staged in New Zealand from 14 January - 10 February 2002.

The final Australian under-19 World Cup squad of 14 will be announced on Friday 14 December at the Commonwealth Bank Under-19 Championship Series dinner in Newcastle.