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Doran stars in Aus U19s series win

Australia’s best young cricketers triumph in series showcasing the future of Ashes cricket

Tasmania recruit Jake Doran has starred alongside right-arm NSW paceman Henry Thornton in Australia’s Under-19 series triumph over England.

England Under-19s finished their month-long tour with a comprehensive victory in the final 50-over match but it was only a consolation prize for the visitors as Australia won the one-day series 3-2, while a four-day match between the teams at the WACA Ground earlier this month ended in a draw.

Highly-rated teenage batting sensation Doran was named player of the series after scoring 414 runs across both formats at an average of 103.5, including 169 in the four-day encounter and a match-winning ton in the third one-dayer.

Quick single: 'Veteran' Doran leading from the front for U19s

The performances of the 18-year-old, who left the NSW Blues for Tasmania last month and is highly regarded as a future Test star, were almost matched by those of promising fast bowler Thornton, who finished with 19 wickets including 4-17 in the first innings of the four-day match and 4-46 in the final one-dayer.

Image Id: ~/media/0ECAE362BE9144B99D24289331903FCFJake Doran acknowledges the crowd

Other highlights for Australia included the bowling of fellow paceman Jhye Richardson, who rattled through England with 4-33 in the fourth 50-over match following his 3-37 in the second, and the batting of Sam Heazlett, who scored 160 in the four-day clash.

Right-hand batsman Aaron Thomason was England’s standout, posting three half-centuries for the series, while allrounder Callum Taylor also impressed with scores of 61 and 50 complementing his 4-49 in the first limited-overs match.

It was medium-pacer Hugh Bernard who put England in the box seat in the final match, taking 5-14 to lead his team to a spirited 82-run victory.

Australia under-19s headed into the final match with the series already secured and looked as though they would continue their winning ways early after three quick scalps had the visitors floundering at 3-8.

Image Id: ~/media/553236DA9206427EA0132F00819D1DBBHenry Thornton bowls for Australia U19s

Wicketkeeper Ryan Davies (81) then steadied proceedings for England, combining with new captain Aneurin Donald (38) in a classy 69-run partnership.

Thomason (63 not out) then took up the attack at the back end of the England innings to help post a competitive total of 8-232.

In reply, the Australian innings failed to gain momentum, as Sam Heazlett (3), Sam Harper (6) and Patrick Page (0) were early losses.

Doran and Jake Carder combined for a 31-run partnership but neither could carry on with their starts, and while Tom Healy dazzled the small crowd on his way to a stylish 58 not out, his team mates fell around him, with Australia bowled out for 150.

The emphatic win will give England some confidence heading into he return leg of the Under-19 series later on this year.

The two teams will meet again for another four-day match and five more one-dayers in England in July and August.

Australia Under-19s v England Under-19s

Result: Australia won 3-2

Leading run-scorer: Jake Doran (414 runs at 103.5)

Leader wicket-taker: Henry Thornton (19 wickets at 14.89)