U19 WC will be awesome opportunity for players to test themselves against best in world in their age group, says Jonny Bassett-Graham

New Zealand Cricket (NZC) recently came forward to announce their squad for the upcoming U19 World Cup. The tournament, slated for 2024, will be held in South Africa, and the squad for the marquee competition includes many sons and grandsons of former Kiwi legends.

Full of talent, the U19 side will be keen on putting in brilliant performances in the World Cup, as they will come into the tournament on the back of an unbeaten run at the East Asia-Pacific Qualifier in Darwin.

The squad includes the likes of all-rounder Zac Cumming, who is the son of former opening batter Craig Cumming. Pacer Matt Rowe, who is also present in the squad, is the cousin of New Zealand women’s pacer Hannah Rowe and Tom Jones, who is the grandson of former Test skipper Jeremy Coney.

It is worth noting that New Zealand U19 are placed in Group D of the U19 World Cup with the likes of Afghanistan, Nepal, and Pakistan. Oscar Jackson was named the captain of the side, with Jonny Bassett-Graham as the head coach of the side. 

I’d like to congratulate the players selected: Bassett-Graham

Speaking of the upcoming campaign, head coach Jonny Bassett-Graham came forward to congratulate the players who have been selected for the U19 World Cup. He also stated how big of an opportunity this could prove to be for the players.

“Firstly, I’d like to congratulate the players selected for the first ICC Cricket World Cup for the entire squad. It’s a hugely exciting time for them and their families and I know a lot of hard work and sacrifice has got them where they are today,” Jonny Bassett-Graham was quoted as saying by the ICC.

“This tournament will be an awesome opportunity for our players to test themselves against the best in the world in their age group, and we hope it will be a great experience. You only have to look at the impressive list of players who have represented New Zealand at this tournament to understand its importance,” he added.

New Zealand squad for U19 World Cup:
Oscar Jackson (c), Mason Clarke, Sam Clode, Zac Cumming, Rahman Hekmat, Tom Jones, James Nelson, Snehith Reddy, Matt Rowe, Ewald Schreuder, Lachlan Stackpole, Oliver Tewatiya, Alex Thompson, Ryan Tsourgas, Luke Watson.

Reserves: Ben Breitmeyer, Nick Brown, Henry Christie, Robbie Foulkes, Josh Oliver, Amogh Paranjpe.