JAMES Coles will represent his country at the Under 19 Cricket World Cup.

The former Oxfordshire all-rounder has been included in Richard Dawson’s 15-man England squad for next month’s tournament in the Caribbean.

Coles, 17, has gained plenty of experience with the Under 19s this year, taking part in the home series against the West Indies in September and this month’s tour of Sri Lanka.

He played three matches in South Asia, conceding around three runs per over.

The World Cup gets under way on Friday, January 14, with England drawn in Group A alongside holders Bangladesh, Canada and the United Arab Emirates.

Dawson said: “It’s always a hugely exciting moment for any young cricketer to be selected in a representative age-group squad, especially so when it’s for a World Cup.

“We’re really looking forward to getting out there and testing ourselves against the best young players in the world, and continuing our development as a side and as individuals.”

England won the Plate Final in the 2020 tournament, when another ex-Oxfordshire youngster starred.

Ben Charlesworth only featured in two matches, but made 36 off 54 against West Indies and top-scored with 82 (100) in the defeat to Australia.

Coles’s selection caps a year to remember, having signed his first professional contract with Sussex in May.

In the summer, he played every game for the county in their Royal London One-Day Cup campaign, appearing alongside internationals such as Australia batsman Travis Head.