England’s under-19 teams have consistently shown excellence at international tournaments for under-19 teams, placing highly and making formidable opponents. Their strong competitive spirit and superior tactical acumen make them formidable foes.
Shahzaib Khan made history with an extraordinary 159-run performance against India U19, setting an all-time match scoring record against this team in one go.
The Under-19 Division
The England Under-19 cricket team is England’s youth team and is administered by the English and Welsh Cricket Board. England Under-19 Cricket Team Vs India National Under-19 Cricket Team Timeline shows they compete internationally at Under-19 World Cup tournaments held every two years as well as former Under-19 Cricket World Trophy competitions, representing England at both competitions. Some former members – such as Mike Atherton, Michael Vaughan and Alastair Cook – even went on to captain their senior national side during Test matches!
India captured their maiden Under-19 World Cup crown, defeating Australia in an exciting final battle. Dewald Brevis scored 506 runs while Dunith Wellalage claimed 17 wickets – both players being non-full member countries at this competition.
England Under-19 squad captain Luc Benkenstein of Essex will lead his squad alongside fellow Eagles players Charlie Allison and Noah Thain for upcoming tournament.
The Matches
The Under-19 World Cup is an annual Under-19 cricket tournament organized by the International Cricket Council that seeks to identify and encourage talented young cricketers from around the globe, with test matches serving as its highest level. Many of those from these tournaments go on to represent their countries at senior level – many even making appearances in professional leagues like India Premier League!
The 2024 Under-19 Cricket World Cup took place in the West Indies for its fourteenth edition and first time being hosted there; India overcame England to win it by four wickets at North Sound, Antigua.
India U-19s have shown strong performances so far in this tournament, winning two of their three matches and suffering only one defeat against Pakistan in an exciting contest. They will look to break a deadlock against Japan and improve their net run-rate to push for a spot in the semi-finals – providing an excellent opportunity for star players like Virender Sehwag and Vaibhav Suryavanshi to show their incredible form in front of home crowds. Sony LIV app and website as well as Sony Sports channels in India will stream live coverage.
The Players
Many prominent figures in modern cricket first started their careers at youth tournaments. Now that the Indian Premier League has become one of the richest sports leagues worldwide, players from these tournaments increasingly hope to progress through its ranks to join India’s national side as soon as possible.
But how can you become part of such an exclusive group? One way is to win the Under-19s tournament. It has been running for almost 20 years, with this year’s edition held in South Africa where England hopes to improve on their fifth place finish two years prior.
Luc Benkenstein from Essex will lead a 16-player squad for England against Ireland this summer, including Middlesex EPG youngsters Charlie Allison and Noah Thain from Middlesex EPG. Durham Academy players Freddie McCann and Haydon Mustard as well as Seth Essenhigh, James Isbell and Sebastian Morgan hope to make an appearance.
Maria Andrews, Sophie Beech, Daisy Gibb, Poppy Tulloch and Annie Williams will take part in all preparations and serve as stand-in players when needed, such as at an upcoming training camp in Stellenbosch which begins November 25. Hampshire duo Eddie Jack and Ben Mayes have been selected in England Men Under 19s squad; both players plan on regularly featuring for their club’s first team.
Also see; England Under-19 Cricket Team Vs India National Under-19 Cricket Team Match Scorecard
The Venues
India will need a win against Japan U19 at Sharjah Cricket Stadium to keep their semifinal hopes alive after their opener was lost against Pakistan. Both sides will aim to improve on their batting skills while India aims to form partnerships.
India, which won the inaugural Under-19 World Cup back in 2004, are yet to secure their first win at this tournament. They’re in Group A alongside Pakistan, Japan and hosts UAE; only the top two teams from each group will advance.
An astounding eight teams have taken part in the Under-19 World Cup since its inaugural tournament. Pakistan was defending champion but fell to South Africa in the final. India won five out of eight editions – winning all but one title under Mohammad Kaif, Virat Kohli, Unmukt Chand, and Prithvi Shaw’s leadership – and finishing runners-up four times overall.
England will return to action next week in the Quadrangular Youth ODI series against Sri Lanka, India and Bangladesh, led by Durham batsman Luc Benkenstein as captain. Luc was part of the England Under-19 side that defeated Australia 5-1 last month. Matches will take place at Hove’s County Ground.
