Rafiq and Root receive England calls

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Azeem Rafiq celebrates debut wicket in LVCC 2009

Azeem Rafiq and Joe Root have been announced in a 14 man England U19s squad for the two match Test series against Sri Lanka U19s beginning on Wednesday 21 July in Northampton.

The squad includes three players who are yet to represent England U19s; Jacob Ball (Nottinghamshire), Daniel Bell-Drummond (Kent) and Lewis Gregory (Somerset).

John Abrahams, ECB Elite Player Development Manager, said: "I feel we have selected a balanced squad for this Test Series against Sri Lanka, bringing in three new faces alongside a core of players who have played for England U19s over the past year. A number of players still eligible to play at this level are now regularly playing first-class cricket and we are delighted with their progress and feel that they should remain with their counties. This gives us an excellent opportunity to test less experienced players in what will be a demanding series."

England U19s are currently coached by Adrian Birrell who will be with the squad for the duration Sri Lanka series. The squad will meet on Friday 16 July and a captain will be selected ahead of the first Test on Wednesday 21 July. England U19s will also play two Twenty20 matches and a five match ODI series against Sri Lanka U19s, these squads will be announced during the first Test match.

England U19s Test squad

Adam Ball (Kent), Jacob Ball (Nottinghamshire), Michael Bates (Hampshire), Daniel Bell-Drummond (Kent), Paul Best (Warwickshire), Matthew Dunn (Surrey), Lewis Gregory (Somerset), Ateeq Javid (Warwickshire), Jack Manuel (Worcestershire), David Payne (Gloucestershire), Azeem Rafiq (Yorkshire), Joe Root (Yorkshire), Atif Sheikh (Derbyshire), Luke Wells (Sussex)

Fixtures

21-24 July Test vs Sri Lanka U19s Northampton

27-30 July Test vs Sri Lanka U19s Scarborough