TEENAGE cricketer Scott Currie has been named in the England squad for the 2020 under-19 ICC World Cup in South Africa.

Scott, 18, from Poole, plays for Hampshire and recently helped England to the Rising Stars Tri-Series final in Antigua.

England have announced a 15-man squad who will open their tournament against the West Indies on January 20.

Head coach, Jon Lewis, said: “I’m excited to see what this squad can do at the World Cup.

“It will be a great challenge for them both on and off the field, playing in unfamiliar conditions against new opposition in matches that will be televised around the world.

“Each individual is improving in their specific roles within the side, but in South Africa we’ll need to ensure these roles all come together to produce good team performances.

“We’ve seen in Antigua, that we can beat some of the best teams in the world.

“I look forward to seeing how we can take that confidence into the pressurised environment of a World Cup.”

The 18-year-old bowler came through the junior’s system at Poole Town and impressed over the summer for the Hampshire second team.

Club secretary for Poole Town, Andy Milner, said: “It’s extraordinary. It’s a fantastic opportunity for him and well deserved.

“Ever since he came into the junior set up, he has shown an absolute desire to learn and play cricket at a high level.

“He works incredibly hard.

“It’s great for the people at the club who have developed people through.

“To see the talent rise through and get recognised at a national level is fabulous.

“Scott is a very talented cricketer and a nice man to go with it.”

Against Sri Lanka in the Tri-Series, Currie took three wickets from 7.4 overs.

Sri Lanka averaged 2.34 runs per over when the Poole youngster was bowling which helped England win by four wickets.

Batting against the West Indies, who England play in their opening match of the World Cup, Currie scored 22 runs, including one four.

England won the match by 29 runs.