Australia U16 squad selected for Dubai tour

Cricket Australia today announced a 17-man Australia under-16 squad to take on Pakistan next summer in a one-day series in Dubai.

The team comprises of "high-potential" players from the recently-concluded 15 and Under National Championships, the same tournament that last year launched the youth pathway careers of Austin Waugh (son of Steve Waugh) and Newcastle batting prodigy Jason Sangha.

CA's National Talent Manager Greg Chappell said the squad was beginning to taste the opportunities that are present as part of the newly revamped Cricket Australia Pathway.

"Selection in this squad and the ensuing tours are just more opportunities for the country's top-performing youth to experience elite level cricket," Chappell said.

Heading the impressive junior list is Victoria's Mackenzie Harvey, nephew of former Australia allrounder and 2004 Wisden Cricketer of the Year Ian, who compiled 191 runs at an average of 38.2 at the 15 and Under National Championships.

Harvey's Victoria Metropolitan was unable to claim the Ricky Ponting Cup over rivals New South Wales Green in Brisbane’s 15 and Under Championships yesterday, despite having four eventual selections in the Australia squad.

NSW’s Jacob Workman claimed 4-19 in a devastating spell that reduced Victoria to 4-40, with wicketkeeper and Australian selection Lawson Eva claiming the first five catches of the match and equalling the all-time 15 and Under record of 16 dismissals set by WA’s Tom Beaton in 2006.

This is the third consecutive year that New South Wales has claimed the trophy and the seventh time in the last 10 years.

The under-16 squad will train at the Bupa National Cricket Centre before competing in the Under 17 National Championships, and will then head to Dubai to take on Pakistan in a limited-overs series.

Last year's inaugural squad produced Newcastle batsman Sangha, who advanced through from the 15 and Under National Championships to be selected for the Australia Under-19 squad, touring Dubai and scoring a century on youth debut.

AUSTRALIA UNDER-16 SQUAD: Liam Scott (NSW), Oliver Davies (NSW), Lawson Eva (NSW), Liam Marshall (NSW), Tyson Lee (NSW), Mackenzie Harvey (VIC, c), Zane Keighran (VIC), Connor Smith (WA), Jordan Clark (WA), Damien Burrage (WA), Connor McFadyen (QLD), Connor Sully (QLD), Joshua Hoffman (SA), Angus Judd (SA)*, James Curran (TAS)*, Bailen Clarke (VIC)*, Matthew Watt (VIC)*. *Standby