Callum Taylor named in England U19 squad for tri-series against Sri Lanka and India

Promising local cricketer Callum Taylor has been retained in the England Under-19 squad for a tri-series against Sri Lanka and India in Colombo before Christmas.

The 18-year-old former Cromer High School pupil plays for Essex CCC but also plays locally for Swardeston when he can.

Taylor is part of the England Development Programme and also played for England at U17 level. The right-handed batsman was a regular throughout a drawn series with Australia in England this summer and is trying to ensure he makes England's squad for the ICC U19 World Cup in Bangladesh early next year.

England Development Programme chairman of selectors, David Graveney, said: 'The tour to Sri Lanka before Christmas represents the last chance for the players to impress ahead of the final selection of the squad for the ICC Under-19 World Cup in Bangladesh in January and February next year.

'We have selected a strong squad based on performances against Australia Under-19s this summer, alongside giving opportunities to a couple of players who haven't featured at this level before.

'It is now down to them to show that they deserve to be named in the World Cup squad when that is announced towards the end of December.

'The tri-series involving Sri Lanka and India Under-19s will present a tough challenge, and it is a further learning opportunity for all the players in sub-continent conditions. It should be a great tour and a precursor to what they can expect in Bangladesh during the World Cup next year.'