Tiger star lands world U19 role
A STARRING display in Tasmania’s impressive under-19 cricket carnival has landed Jarrod Freeman the ultimate prize of a spot in Australia’s World Cup squad.
The off-spinning, middle-order dasher has shone for the Tigers at the underage championships, which wrapped up yesterday and was rewarded for his performances with a spot alongside some of the best emerging talents in the country.
Seven players who hold state rookie contracts have been named in the 15-man squad, which will head to New Zealand next month for the three-week tournament.
The team will be captained by Jason Sangha (NSW), who scored a century against England in a firstclass match for the Cricket Australia XI and has played List A matches against Pakistan and Sri Lanka.
Freeman scored 283 runs at an average of 47.1, including half centuries against NSW Metro (53), ACT-NSW Country (87) and a 28ball 47 in the side’s final match against Northern Territory yesterday.
He also captured nine wickets, with 4-23 in the first ever under-19 day-night match, lifting his side to an upset win against Vic Metro at UTAS Stadium.
“My preparation for this carnival couldn’t have been any better, travelling to Sri Lanka in July [with a youth Tigers squad] and getting a taste of Futures League a couple of months ago,” said Freeman, who hails from the same club as Ricky Ponting in Mowbray. “It will be an absolute honour to represent my country at this level at a World Cup.”
Australia will be out to claim the under-19 crown for the first time since the 2010 tournament, which was also played in New Zealand, when Mitch Marsh captained a team including the likes of Josh Hazlewood, Adam Zampa, Kane Richardson and Nic Maddinson.
Former Australian cricketers Ryan Harris and Chris Rogers will be coach and assistant coach.
NSW Metro won the under-19 title after a comprehensive victory over the Cricket Australia XI at Blundstone Arena last night.
A century from Jack Edwards (147, 125 balls) helped NSW to an imposing 6-296, with the CA XI only able to muster 176 in reply