HAMPSHIRE-BASED off-spinner, Ava Lee, is ‘excited’ to wear the England shirt in Sri Lanka ahead of her maiden England U19 tour.
The 18-year-old who represents the Southern Vipers domestically in England has been rewarded for her imperious form last season in both the Charlotte Edwards Cup (CEP) and the Rachael Heyhoe Flint Trophy (RHFT).
The England U19 squad have arrived in Sri Lanka with a Tri-Series between the hosts and Australia, awaiting them over both the T20 and 50-over formats.
Speaking exclusively to Solent Sports News, Lee conveyed her emotions ahead of donning the England shirt for the first time: “It’s a real privilege and an honour to wear the badge.
“I still can’t believe it to be honest, every time wearing an England shirt is so special and something I’ll never take for granted” she added.
The cricket pitches are traditionally dustier and drier in Sri Lanka which Lee hopes will work in her favour. “Hopefully the pitches turn, it’ll be a great learning experience to get a grasp of different conditions, I’ll just try to hit my area and use the pitch where I can.
“I’m super excited and curious about going to Sri Lanka, seeing the culture and playing against two amazing sides.”
England’s first contest will be a T20 vs Australia in Hambantota on the 29th March.
Following her 10 wickets in her debut season, Lee was handed a winter contract in October allowing her to train with the professional senior side whilst continuing her studies on the side at the Utilita Bowl in Southampton.
England’s head coach Chris Guest has had plenty of preparation with the squad following a camp at Loughborough University he felt “we have selected a good mix of those who have represented this age group before and those who are new”.
“It’s a really exciting squad who are relishing the chance to compete against quality opposition”.
“To have the opportunity to play T20 and 50-over cricket is important” added Guest, “It’s a chance for the players to be exposed to and experience different conditions and will present excellent learning opportunities”.
England Women U19s schedule for Tri Series
T20s
29 March: Australia v England MRICS, Hambantota
30 March: Sri Lanka v England, MRICS, Hambantota
2 April, England v Australia, MRICS, Hambantota
3 April: England v Sri Lanka, MRICS, Hambantota
50 Over
7 April: Australia v England, GICS, Galle
9 April: England v Sri Lanka, GICS, Galle
England Women U19s squad:
Tilly Corteen-Coleman
Jodi Grewcock
Josie Groves
Katie Jones
Charlotte Lambert
Ava Lee
Abigale Norgrove
Charis Pavely
Davina Perrin
Sophia Smale
Alexa Stonehouse
Amuruthaa Surenkumar
Mary Taylor
Erin Thomas
Maddie Ward
