The highly fancied Australian U19 Squad released.

Australia's new National U19 Coach khilden has announced the U19 Squad in it's entirety for Season 7 of 2007. The Pavilion staff were lucky enough to receive the list and will be the first to publically announce this squad.

The United Internazionale club coach was appointed last month with some doubts over his commitment towards his new role, but they have been banished into space with gruelling study over credentially players to form the 16 players who will don the baggy green as of next week.

This season's squad is as follows:

The centrepiece of the squad for this season will no doubt be Dave Hamshaw, trained to perfection and has the highest wage amongst all players selected for this season's team.

khilden: "Team captain Dave Hamshaw hails from NSW. Currently playing his cricket with division two side Off with their heads, Hamshaw quickly established himself at club level scoring a maiden ton only weeks after his debut. An exciting young player, he is the rock of the batting lineup."

Although unknown to the majority of Assistant Coaches amongst the Australian U19 camp, it was clear that Bobby Sellars would be hot property as a batsmen amongst his peers.

khilden: "Victorian Sellars was spectacularly drafted into the starting lineup of Underdogs CC just five days after his promotion from the youth academy. Although he made a slow start to his career, since making a century in January this year he hasn't looked back."

Short-listed from day dot when khilden's reign began, Sol Kirby will be given excellent support with his destructive style of batting of great benefit.

khilden: "Sol Kirby has been dubbed the next Matthew Hayden and for good reason too, an aggressive opener who never takes a backward step, his run a ball maiden century spoke volumes of this young mans pedigree."

From the simple beginnings of a seventeen year old trainee, the National board have watched over Jack Whittaker, and he is granted with an Australian guernsey for this season.

khilden: "Jack Whittaker farts a lot. Since being promoted from the youth academy at fartland he has maintained his dream is to fart all over the English."

As far as the eighteen year olds are concerned, khilden has committed to the active presence of fellow coach dplank and his prospect Richard Marthinus, named as one of two specialist batsmen set to fly the flag in Season 8's U19 World Cup.

khilden: "Richard Marthinus is one of the most promising young players to come out of the Victorian youth system. Currently playing for the Redundant Double Negatives in division two, he's had more experience at the top level than many senior players."

The other has also been respected since his commencement of cricket life. Jacob Kidd's presence will be felt amongst his superior and older team-mates.

khilden: "Jacob Kidd is a fine example of serendipity. He packed his bags and left Pride of Mersey Side at a tender young age to be picked up by the Newcastle Knights. A useful lower order player for the novocastrians, Kidd is sure to impress on the big stage."

Holding the gloves with a bright future ahead is Paul Warlock, who has been drafted with the additional skills in batting helping his cause.

khilden: "An old head on young shoulders, Paul Warlock has proven a steady man behind the sticks for Brighton CC, who's title hopes this season rest partly with Warlocks batting and catching."

One of the hottest prospects and a superior all-rounder, Steven Loyal is devilish, despite a slow start at club level is bound to improve and take flight in International waters.

khilden: "The golden boy of New South Wales, Steven Loyal has only played a handful of matches but is one of the most highly rated young men in Australia. A useful batter and bowler with the world at his feet."

Supporting the talents of All-Rounder Steven are Ray Mckagen and his awesome talent with the ball - coupled by a handy ability with the bat puts this long-locked nineteen year old in good company.

khilden: "There's no more terrifying sight than Ray Mckagen charging down the pitch, wild mane blowing in the wind, letting fly with a flipper or googly. This youngster has played two seasons with the famous Marconi Stallions who rate his skills very highly."

The third All-Rounder, one which also flew under the radar amongst the majority of scouters was Andrew Morton, although khilden's excitement is billowing with another hot prospect on the verge of greatness this season.

khilden: "Andrew Morton has burst onto the scene in recent times, although he has only played four matches he showed his class by smashing 166 on debut. The finest attraction the ACT has to offer."

As far as the bowling is concerned, this writer admits there is no greater bowling attack in the world, than the Season 7 U19 Australians. Headlined by Glen Schalk.

khilden: "Glen has often been described as 'scary' or 'extreme'. It's no suprise that he plays for Scary Extreme of NSW. A born and bred bully, Schalk loves nothing more than destroying the wickets."

Hayden Judge brings seam, swing and consistency into the line-up, the only Medium pacer for now - but a strength of titanic proportions on his own.

khilden: "The metronomic Hayden Judge has always adhered to the mantra of "line, length and subtle variation" over brute pace. A special young man who's bowling talent is matched only by his ability to get sunburnt."

Although relatively fatigued, one U19 Squad could not be without Mat Pearson, who is expected to uphold his mantle as the best paceman in Australia within a month's time.

khilden: "Mat Pearson of East Coast Bruddas loves to "chill in da 'hood with his boyz" when he isn't terrorising batsmen on the field. A very efficient bowler, it's a suprise he has never taken a 5 wicket haul."

On late notice did Leighton Spector arrive to the National scene, and the Australians could not have done without him.

khilden: "With his wholesome boy next door looks Leighton Spector was set to become the face of Queensland cricket. Unforetunetly he adopted a liking for shouting "COME ON!!!" and making strange hand motions whenever he took a wicket and became vilified for his overzealous passion. Leighton has no regrets though, off the field he just finished grade four so he has every reason to be happy."

He kept delivering in the training nets, and Jason Henno has been rewarded for Gooric CC, one of the club's up-and-coming stars.

khilden: "Jason Henno is the wildcard and the joker. A devilish fast bowler he channels the energy and pomp of Dennis Lillee at his finest. Under the guidance of Gooric Henno has gone from a crazed and underprivileged youth to a crazed and overprivileged youth who can throw a cricket ball at people. really hard!"

There was only one specialist spinner to be considered - he is hot property and on the rise with a beautiful skill. Simon Akwenye does not need to wait any longer to gain his baggy green.

khilden: "Simon Akwenye's addition to the U19 team has been questioned by many quarters. To these people i say. He gave me more sexytimes than the rest of you so..."

As far as the addition of two more players to come, khilden said: "There are still two spots in the team, we are looking for two possible 18 year olds to fill these gaps. Primarily we are interested in batters though a 19 year old wicketkeeper who has the appropriate skills will also be given due consideration."

The first match against England is set to be played on June 26 - after this week's double header, the final two players are expected to gain inclusion to the side.


There are still two spots in the team, we are looking for two possible 18 year olds to fill these gaps. Primarily we are interested in batters though a 19 year old wicketkeeper who has the appropriate skills will also be given due consideration