Hamza Shaikh named Captain for England’s U19 Team

Hamza Shaikh(picture above), a Warwickshire teenager, has been named and chosen to captain England’s under-19 Test team. 

Shaikh will lead the team in two Youth Test against Sri Lanka, one at Wormsley CC, High Wycombe, on the 8th to the 11th July, and the other at Cheltenham CC from 16th to 19th July.  

The 18-year-old has been involved in Warwickshire’s Youth Pathway since the age of 10 and has 15 Under 19 caps to his name, but this will be the first time he has led the national side.  

Shaikh, who played two Youth Tests against Australia last summer, said: “Captaining England at any level is an incredible honour. I’ve got to know the guys well over the last couple of years, so I know I’ll have great support and experience to draw on.  

“I’ve captained Warwickshire’s Second XI several times this summer. At times, I’ve been captaining sides, including the likes of Chris Woakes, Liam Norwell, and Jake Linott. They’ve helped me and given me more confidence in my leadership on and off the field, advising on bowling options and field placements.  

“But I’ve also captained sides that have been predominately made up of Academy and youth pathway players where the lads have looked up to me for guidance. So, I’ve experienced both sides of captaincy.  

“I like to think I’m a fairly calm guy, and captaincy doesn’t faze me; I’m looking forward to the challenge and hopefully coming away with a series win.”  

Before beginning his captaincy, Shaikh will be representing Warwickshire in a First-Class Counties Select XI to face the West Indies in a three-day game at Beckenham, which began on Wednesday, 3rd July.  

He will be part of the 14-player squad, which includes Farhan Ahmed, Charlie Barnard, Jack Carney, Rocky Flintoff, Noah Thain, and others.