Hampshire trio get Under-19 call

Hampshire's left-arm spinner Danny Briggs hails from the Isle of Wight

Three Hampshire players have been named in a 15-man England squad for the Under-19 World Cup in New Zealand early next year.

Batsman James Vince, spinner Danny Briggs and keeper-batsman Michael Bates have been included in the 15-man squad.

The tournament takes place between 16 and 30 January 2010, with England facing Afghanistan, Hong Kong and India in the group stages.

The party will be led by Sussex cricket manager Mark Robinson.

Elite Player Development Manager John Abrahams said: "The Under-19 World Cup is a fantastic opportunity for the squad to test themselves against some of the most talented young cricketers in the world.

"We will be working hard over the next six weeks to ensure that we are able to produce our best cricket in New Zealand."

England's first group match is against Hong Kong (16 January), followed by Afghanistan (18 January) and current U19 World Cup holders India (20 January).

Full squad: Michael Bates, Danny Briggs, James Vince (Hampshire), Paul Best, Ateeq Javid (Warwickshire), Nathan Buck (Leicestershire), Jos Buttler, Calum Haggett (Somerset), Chris Dent, David Payne(Gloucestershire), Matthew Dunn (Surrey), Jack Manuel (Worcestershire), Azeem Rafiq, Joe Root (Yorkshire), Ben Stokes (Durham).