Ball and Bell-Drummond selected for England U19 squad

England Development Programme (EDP) selectors today announced Kent’s all-rounders Adam Ball and Daniel Bell-Drummond will join the England Under 19 squad for the South Africa Under 19 series, with Ball selected to captain the side. The young all-rounder signed a three-year professional contract with Kent in February 2010 and has already represented England at Under 19 level, where he has impressed with his left-arm seam bowling and aggressive style of batting.

Simon Willis, High Performance Director at Kent Cricket commented; “It’s really good news for both Adam and Daniel, who have been selected having spent the winter in Sri Lanka with the Under 19 team. We wish them both well in the one day series and Test matches. Adam got a flavour of captaining over the winter during the one-dayers and impressed – this is a great opportunity for him over the summer.

“Daniel has worked really hard to improve his one day skills and has shown early in the season just what he’s capable of. Both of them are an excellent example of what can be achieved with hard work and commitment.”

Ball commented on the selection;“Obviously it’s a big achievement to play for your country and it’s an honour to be captain of the side. It will be a great experience and bring a new dimension to my cricket – as both a leader and captain. I’m looking forward to the challenge.”

The full England Under 19 squad will be:

Adam Ball Kent (Capt)

Daniel Bell-Drummond Kent

Peter Burgoyne Derby

Ben Foakes Essex

Gavin Griffiths Lancashire

Brett Hutton Nottinghamshire

Aneesh Kapil Worcestershire

Sam KelsallNottinghamshire

Tom Knight Derby

Jamie OvertonSomerset

Adam Rossington Middlesex

Shiv ThakorLeicestershire

Reece TopleyEssex

Sam Wood Nottinghamshire

Tim Boon, England Development Programme Head Coach, said: “Selecting this squad was a very challenging process because of the large group of outstanding players available. This series provides valuable opportunities for our talented young cricketers to accelerate their learning and progress in world class environments in both competition and training. South Africa will provide us with tough opposition throughout the summer and vital experience on our journey to the Under 19 World Cup in Australia next summer.

“England Development Players are both challenged and supported by a highly specialised management team to take players to the edge of their capabilities in learning to win games of cricket including areas such as game strategy, leadership, mental toughness and athleticism required at the highest level. We want players to take responsibility for their performance and to play with confidence and freedom as they strive to win games of cricket for England.”

Ball can currently be seen in the Friends Life t20 campaign with Kent Spitfires. The Spitfires play Surrey Lions on Sunday 26^thJune at Beckenham, before returning to the St Lawrence Ground for a floodlit t20 match on Friday 1^stJuly against Essex Eagles. For tickets to any of the Spitfires’ Friends Life t20 home matches click here.

Photo by Sarah Ansell from SarahCanterbury.com