Azeem Rafiq to captain Under-19s to World Cup

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Azeem Rafiq celebrates debut wicket in LVCC 2009

Yorkshire's 18-year-old off-spinning all-rounder, Azeem Rafiq, has been named England's captain at next year's Under-19 World Cup in New Zealand. A 15-man squad, which also includes Joe Root, had already been announced last month.

Yorkshire's 18-year-old off-spinning all-rounder, Azeem Rafiq, has been named England's captain at next year's Under-19 World Cup in New Zealand. A 15-man squad, which also includes Joe Root, had already been announced last month.

Azeem relinquished the Under-19s captaincy midway through England's recent one-day series in Bangladesh after being first appointed skipper for last summer's home one-day international series against the same opposition, which England lost 2-1. James Vince of Hampshire will be Azeem's vice-captain.

CLICK HERE for an interview Azeem Rafiq did with the ECB on hearing of his appointment.

John Abrahams, Elite Player Development Managaer, said: "Azeem did really well as captain last summer and he also gained some valuable experience in Bangladesh. He has the respect of all the other players, as has James Vince, and both have had good experience playing First XI cricket which is a huge advantage."

England's first match in the group stages will be against Hong Kong on January 16, followed by Afghanistan on January 18 and India, the current World Cup holders, on January 20.