Young guns set for SCG curtain-raiser

Australia's finest young talent will have the opportunity of a lifetime when they take to the SCG for a T20 curtain-raiser ahead of the Sydney Sixers and Perth Scorchers KFC BBL|06 clash on December 27.

The two teams will be named the Gilchrist XII and Ponting XII, after Australian cricketing legends and now KFC Big Bash League commentators Adam Gilchrist and Ricky Ponting.

In a first for the Cricket Australia Pathways Program, the two teams will showcase the country's best junior talent, comprising a mix of standout performers from this year's Under 17 National Championships and Under 19 National Championships.

The Ponting XII – featuring the country's best under-17s players – will be led by Victoria's Will Sutherland and also includes the under-17 and under-19 championships' leading wicket-taker, Lloyd Pope, and Austin Waugh, son of former Test captain Steve.

Quick Single: Waugh, Sutherland star at U19 Champs

NSW Blues and Sydney Thunder rookie Jason Sangha, plus Western Warriors rookie and Under 19 National Championships Player of the Final Cameron Green also feature in Ponting's side. 

The Gilchrist XII – featuring the country's best under-19s players – will be led by Victoria's Will Pucovski, who broke the all-time runs record at the under-19 championships earlier this month, when he scored four consecutive centuries on his way to a total of 650 runs in eight innings.

Quick Single: Record-breaking Victorian Pucovski

Alongside Pucovski in the Gilchrist XII will be Queensland Bulls rookies Max Bryant and Xavier Bartlett - the latter playing in this year's Matador BBQs Cup with the Cricket Australia XI - and Tasmanian Tigers rookie Mac Wright.

CA National Talent Manager Greg Chappell, who's also currently an interim member of Australia's National Selection Panel, was excited about the crop of young talent who'll be in show in the match.

"This is a great opportunity to showcase the best young talent in the country," Chappell said.

"I think those that take the opportunity to witness this game will be comforted by the fact that Australian cricket is in good health and the future looks bright." 

CA Pathways Manager and former Test gloveman Graham Manou said the match is an example of the governing body's push to challenge Australia's best young talent.

"There is a need to continue to provide the best possible experiences to players coming through the Pathway Program," Manou said. 

"With so many multi-talented athletes in our program, it is essential we continue to provide unique experiences to ensure we are constantly developing players' skill-sets and keeping them engaged within the sport.

"We believe this experience will help to stretch these players and showcase their skills on a big stage. Hopefully, this is another step in the Pathway which will help develop players for Futures League cricket, and in years to come, the Big Bash League, Matador BBQs Cup, Sheffield Shield and perhaps even national selection. 

"Having the opportunity to play on the SCG ahead of a BBL match will be an incredible experience for these young cricketers, and we hope this match is the first of many."

Perth Scorchers coach Justin Langer and Sydney Sixers coach Greg Shipperd will be on hand to offer advice during the game, while former Test spinner and NSW Metro under-17s and under-19s coach Beau Casson will assist both sides.

The match is scheduled to begin at 2pm local time, and will be live-streamed via www.cricket.com.au and the Cricket Australia Live App.

Gilchrist XII: Xavier Bartlett, Max Bryant (both Qld), Ryan Hadley (NSW), Aaron Hardie, Bradley Hope (both WA), Matthew Gilkes (ACT), Dylan Mullen (NT), Ben Pengelley (SA), Will Pucovski (Vic), Jason Ralston, Param Uppal (both NSW), Mac Wright (Tas).Coach: Matthew Elliott

Ponting XII: Jack Edwards (NSW), Zak Evans (Vic), Jarrod Freeman (Tas), Cameron Green (WA), Angus Lovell (Qld) Mitchell Perry (Vic), Lloyd Pope (SA), Patrick Rowe (Vic), Jason Sangha (NSW), Will Sutherland (Vic) Austin Waugh (NSW), Harrison Wood (Qld). Coach: John Davison

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