Ahmed selected in Young Lions squad for Windies series
LEICESTERSHIRE leg-spinner Rehan Ahmed has been named in the 18-strong England U19 men’s squad for the upcoming series against West Indies U19s.
Ahmed, who signed his first professional contract with the Running Foxes ahead of the 2021 Royal London Cup campaign, is set to link up with the national squad after impressing in his debut season.
Nottingham-born Ahmed said: “It’s been fantastic to play in the Royal London Cup and continue my development with Leicestershire, and I’m now looking forward to joining up with England Under-19s for this series.
“The 50-over competition I played in will stand me in good stead for the challenges that are now ahead.
“It’s been a great summer so far and this is another opportunity I’m looking forward to.” It will be the first time the U19 team has been in action since the 2020 ICC U19 Cricket World Cup.
The Young Lions squad will also be led for the first time by ECB Elite Pathway Coach, Richard Dawson.
He said: “I’m excited to see the group in action and to see how they fare against their international peers.
“It’s a big opportunity for the players, and it’s their first step on the international pathway.
“It’s testament to the quality of our young players that we may lose a few during the series, should they be called into their county’s first team squad.
“We’ll be communicating and collaborating with the counties throughout and we’ve selected a group to cover that eventuality, and we’re looking forward to getting going.
“Jacob Bethell and Tom Prest will share the captaincy throughout the series, which is a good opportunity for them to develop their leadership skills.”
England U19 squad: Rehan Ahmed (Leicestershire), Tom Aspinwall (Lancashire), Sonny Baker (Somerset), Nathan Barnwell (Surrey), George Bell (Lancashire), Jacob Bethell (Warwickshire), Josh Boyden (Lancashire), James Coles (Sussex), Alex Horton (Glamorgan), Dan Ibrahim (Sussex), Archie Lenham (Sussex), Will Luxton (Yorkshire), Harry Petrie (Hampshire), Tom Prest (Hampshire), James Rew (Somerset), James Sales (Northamptonshire), Fateh Singh (Nottinghamshire), George Thomas (Somerset).