Hankins called up for England Development Squad
28 July 2015
Gloucestershire Academy batsman George Hankins has been called up to the England Development squad to face Australia Under 19.
The 18-year-old, who plays for Bath CC, will play the tourists in a two day game at Loughborough on July 30 and 31 as part of their warm-up for the Under 19 Ashes.
George (pictured flanked by Academy players James Bracey -left - and Patrick Grieshaber -right) has been picked after a stellar few months that has seen him cement his place in the 2nd XI and break the record for most runs in a season at Millfield School.
The right hander finished the school season with 1202 runs – over 205 more than the previous record holder, Kent batsman Daniel Bell-Drummond who took to Twitter to congratulate George on his feat.
Academy coach Owen Dawkins said: “We are delighted for George that he has been recognised for his performances this year.
“He came into our Academy last year after doing big things in the Gloucestershire Under 17s and has continue to develop and improve.
“We are really pleased with the young talent we have coming through our system and it is great that our players are getting opportunities within the England set-up.”
George – who also bowls off spin – has been opening for the 2nd XI in one-day cricket and has made scores of 90 v Kent and 80 v Papua New Guinea in the shorter forms of the game.
He was named Gloucestershire Under 17s player of the year last season after scoring 355 in five innings and captaining the side.
He will face an Australia Under 19 squad coached by former England batsman Graeme Hick and including Tom Healy - the son of ex-Aussie wicketkeeper Ian.
George names another Australian legend – former captain Ricky Ponting as his cricketing hero - and says his ambition is to represent Gloucestershire and England at full level.
