By SAT Sports Desk
MELBOURNE, 8 January: Cricket Australia has today announced a 12-player Cricket Australia XI to play a one-day tour match against Pakistan at Allan Border Field in Brisbane on Tuesday.
The squad will feature some of Australia’s most exciting young talent – with five players aged 18-or-under earning selection in the squad, on the back of impressive performances at last month’s Under 19 National Championships.
Cricket Australia XI squad
Will Bosisto, 23, WA – Captain
Travis Dean, 24, VIC
Cameron Green, 17, WA
Clint Hinchliffe, 20, WA
Josh Inglis, 21, WA
Riley Meredith, 20, TAS
Lloyd Pope, 17, SA
Will Pucovski, 18, VIC
Sam Raphael, 29, SA
Jason Sangha, 17, NSW
Will Sutherland, 17, VIC
Henry Thornton, 20, NSW
Coach: Dan Marsh
Assistant Coach: Troy Cooley
Among the young talent on show will be 18-year-old Victorian run machine Will Pucovski – who was named player of the under-19 championships after scoring four consecutive centuries and breaking the all-time runs record – plus 17-year-old South Australian leg-spinner Lloyd Pope, who was the leading wicket-taker at both this season’s under-17 and under-19 championships.
Western Australia rookie Cameron Green, NSW Blues and Sydney Thunder rookie Jason Sangha, and Victorian allrounder Will Sutherland – all aged 17 – have also been named in the squad.
National Talent Manager Greg Chappell said:
“This is an extremely young side, but one which showcases some of the very best talent rising through the Pathways Program,” Chappell said.
“We are determined to continue to stretch the best young players in Australia, to challenge themselves at the highest level possible, and this an unbelievable opportunity for these players to test their skills against an international line-up of the highest quality.
“Already this summer, we have seen a number of young players step up to international ranks and take their opportunity with both hands – including the likes of Peter Handscomb and Matthew Renshaw.
“We believe every player in this squad has the talent to compete at this level, and we look forward to seeing them rise to the occasion in Brisbane.”
While the squad features a number of players making their List A debuts, it will also feature a number of players with previous first-class and List A experience.
Western Australia’s Will Bosisto – who captained the CA XI at this season’s Matador BBQs One-Day Cup – will lead the side, which will also feature emerging Victorian opener Travis Dean, South Australian batsman Sam Raphael and Western Australia keeper-batsman Josh Inglis.
The match will begin at 10am local time, with entry costing $10 for adults, $5 for concession, and free for kids aged 15 years or under.
