Lancashire's George Balderson to lead England in U19 World Cup

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Lancashire's bowling all-rounder George Balderson will be leading England next year's ICC U19 World Cup to be held in South Africa from January 17 to February 9.

"I'm excited to see what this squad can do at the World Cup," England head coach Jon Lewis said.

"It will be a great challenge for them both on and off the field, playing in unfamiliar conditions against new opposition in matches that will be televised around the world.

"Each individual is improving in their specific roles within the side, but in South Africa we'll need to ensure these roles all come together to produce good team performances.

The Young Lions reached the final of the tri-series in Antigua on Saturday, which featured West Indies U19 and Sri Lanka U19.

England also played a home tri-series earlier this year, involving Bangladesh and India, which India won by defeating Bangladesh. While England failed to make it to final, Lewis was happy with the individual performances and feels that the Young Lions are capable of facing stronger teams.

"We've seen in Antigua, and in our home tri-series this summer against India and Bangladesh, that we can beat some of the best teams in the world," Lewis said.

The 13th edition of the World Cup will be played between 16 teams, split into four groups. The top two teams from each group will then qualify for the Super League stage.

England have won U19 World Cup only once, under Owais Shah in 1998 when they defeated New Zealand in the final.

England have been placed in the Group B alongside with Australia, West Indies and Nigeria and begin their campaign on January 20 against West Indies in Kimberley.

England squad: George Balderson (C), Kasey Aldridge, Ben Charlesworth, Tom Clark, Jordan Cox, Scott Currie, Blake Cullen, Harry Duke, Joey Evison, Lewis Goldsworthy, Jack Haynes, George Hill, Dan Mousley, Hamidullah Qadri, Sam Young.