Bernard and Davies star in England Under 19 win in Australia
Thursday 23rd April 2015
Kent Cricket Academy scholar Hugh Bernard took a five-wicket haul and Kent wicketkeeper Ryan Davies top-scored as England Under 19s finished their tour Down Under in style.
The 18-year-old from Folkestone claimed 5-14 in 8.1 overs to skittle Australia for 150 in Perth.
Opening the bowling, the teenager dismissed the top 3 of the hosts' lineup before returning to end the tailend resistance.
Speaking before his return to England, Bernard told KentOnline: He said: "Making my debut for the under-19s has been the proudest moment of my career and it’s not the only time I want to be touring overseas with an England side.
"It gives me drive, putting on that jersey and now I want more. The U19 World Cup is next year but even with that, I know where I want to be in five years’ time. I want to be involved in Lions tours and the England senior team.
"Walking out with that jersey on, with the Three Lions on my chest, what a feeling!
"That’s what I train for, that’s what I put every hour, second and minute into practice and fitness and all the sweat and pain that comes with it.
"It’s more than just a shirt, it’s the story of your life and what you’ve gone through to get that shirt with your name and number on the back of it."
Bernard, who won promotion to the Kent Premier League last season, sealed the win for England Under 19s by drawing the edge of Grimwade, caught behind by Kent 'keeper Ryan Davies.
Earlier, the Kent wicketkeeper-batsman hit six fours and a six in an innings of 81 off 106 balls as the tourists posted 232 for eight in 50 overs.
Australia won the five-match 50-over series 3-2 and a four-day match at the WACA ended in a draw.
Speaking after the final match today, ECB’s Head of the England Development Programme, Andy Hurry, said: “This series has provided highly challenging competitive opportunities against strong opposition in difficult conditions.
"The quality of the Australian side has stretched our players and presented real moments of pressure and therefore learning opportunities.
"The players can now look forward to commencing their county seasons back home, and as a group we look forward to the return series against Australia U19s in August, when we intend to make the most of our home advantage.”
Australia U19s will visit England in August this year for a reciprocal tour, which will also consist of five one-day matches and one four-day fixture.
The four-day match will be played at the Emirates Durham ICG from August 4 – 7, followed by 50-over matches on August 11 (South Northumberland CC), 14 (Chesterfield CC), 17 (The 3aaa County Ground, Derbyshire), 20 (Grace Road, Leicestershire), and 22 (New Road, Worcestershire).