Australian youngsters set for Ageas Bowl

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Six of Australia’s most talented young cricketers will link up with Hampshire’s new academy this summer following an agreement between the county and Cricket Australia.

Selected players will attend the Ageas Bowl International Cricket Academy (ABICA) with the opportunity to train and play, as well as having access to state-of-the-art facilities, coaching, sports science and medical staff.

In addition, the Australian players will compete for six different club teams in the Southern Electric Premier League for the duration of the English domestic cricket season.

For many years young English players have been sent to Australia, South Africa and India as part of their overall development and this new agreement offers the first opportunity for international players to take advantage of English facilities.

Chairman Rod Bransgrove is looking forward to Hampshire playing a key role in the development of the selected players.

He said: "We are delighted that Cricket Australia is sending six high-performing young players to the academy.

"This shows a high level of confidence and faith in the ABICA facilities and staff and we look forward to working with CA in accelerating the development of these talented young cricketers."

Six promising Australian youngsters will head to the Ageas Bowl this summer as part of a link-up between Cricket Australia and Hampshire

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