Worcestershire's promising left arm spinner, Ben Twohig, has been confirmed as part of the England Development Programme (EDP) squad announced for the tour against Pakistan Under-17s next month.
The England and Wales Cricket Board (ECB) today announced EDP squad will play three one-day 50-over matches and a one-off three-day match against Pakistan Under-17s in the UAE.
Twohig, who is part of Worcestershire's 2014-15 Academy intake, has been a member of the Under-17 super-fours regional side which is part of the ongoing selection process for the England Development Programme.
Twohig has already made his breakthrough into the Worcestershire Second Eleven having previously represented the county at Under-14, Under-15, Under-17 and Under-19 level.
He played in two Second Eleven Championship matches against Leicestershire and Yorkshire and a Second Eleven Trophy match against Leicestershire.
In addition Twohig featured in two three-day friendly matches at the end of the 2014 season against Northamptonshire at Kidderminster and Hampshire at New Road.
Worcestershire Academy coach Elliot Wilson said: “It is a much deserved reward for a talented and exciting prospect.
"Ben played a number of Second Eleven games in 2014 and impressed all with his competitive nature and his cricket nous.
"Pakistan Under-17s in the UAE will be a great test of his character and mental toughness and will provide an invaluable experience in his development as a potential first class cricketer here at New Road."
Like batsman Tom Kohler-Cadmore, Twohig is a product of Malvern College.
The 15-man touring party predominantly consists of cricketers from the Under-17 age group, but in a reciprocal agreement with the Pakistan Cricket Board, also features three Under-16 players and three U18 players.
The side will be led by Middlesex’s Max Holden who, along with Sam Curran (Surrey) and Tom Moores (Nottinghamshire), is part of the full EDP training squad for 2014-2015.
They will be hoping to emulate the performances of the EDP Under-17 side that beat Pakistan Under-17s in a three-match one-day series and one-off three-day match on home soil last summer.
EDP Coach Ian Brunnschweiler will oversee the 16-day tour from February 11 – 27, with support from EDP lead spin bowling coach, Peter Such, and head of the EDP, Andy Hurry.
The entire series will take place at the ICC Academy in Dubai, with the three one-day matches being played on February 17, 19 and 21, followed by the stand alone three-day match from February 24 – 26.
Commenting on the squad, EDP chairman of Selectors, David Graveney, said: “The selection of three Under-16 players and three slightly older Under-18 guys for this series helps us to ensure that we are developing as wide a pool of young talent as possible.
"When planning the tour, we didn’t want to be limited to a single age group.
"It’s hugely important that we have a long-term vision and pathway in place across the board at this formative stage of the players’ development.
"The primary objective for the series is around providing a testing development opportunity against strong opposition in tough conditions.
"An overseas tour in the UAE against Pakistan Uder-17s fits these criteria perfectly, and I am certain that everyone involved will learn a great deal."
