England Squad For ICC Men's U19 World Cup Announced

The England and Wales Cricket Board (ECB) has named the 15-player Young Lions squad for the upcoming ICC Men’s U19 World Cup, which is set to be held in South Africa. Durham batter Ben McKinney will lead the team, with Luc Benkenstein serving as his deputy.

England have been the first to announce their squad for the upcoming World Cup. The Young Lions finished as runner-ups against Team India in the last edition of the tournament. The England U19 team will be eager to put up a strong performance in the upcoming event.

The U19 World Cup Set To Begin In January 2024

The 15th edition of the event is set to take place in South Africa, featuring 16 teams across four venues. The tournament will comprise 41 matches, with the teams divided into four groups. England are placed in Group B alongside South Africa, the West Indies, and Scotland.

Defending champions India are placed in Group A alongside Bangladesh, Ireland, and the USA. Other prominent groups include Australia, Sri Lanka, Zimbabwe, and Namibia in Group C, while Afghanistan, Pakistan, New Zealand, and Nepal are comprised in Group D.

England Men U19s World Cup squad

Fifteen-year-old Farhan Ahmed, the younger brother of England leg-spinner Rehan, has been included in England’s squad for the tournament. The squad features several players with family connections to cricket, including Jaydn Denly (nephew of former England Test batter Joe), Haydon Mustard (son of former England wicketkeeper Phil), and Luc Benkenstein (son of former South Africa batter and current Gloucestershire coach Dale).

England have won the Under-19 World Cup once, in 1998, with notable players like Rob Key and Graeme Swann. The team reached the final in 2022 but was defeated by India.