Future stars to meet in Under 17s final

What and when?

Some of Australia's brightest young talents will be on show when Queensland and New South Wales Metro face off in the 2016-17 Under 17 National Championships at Brisbane's Allan Border Field on Thursday. 

NSW Metro's leading batsman Austin Waugh, son of Steve, and the competition's top run-scorer Angus Lovell will go head-to-head as the arch rivals do battle for the national title, with all the action to be streamed on cricket.com.au from 9.30am local time (10.30am AEDT).  

What's the form? 

NSW Metro advance in a thriller 

In unbelievable scenes, New South Wales Metro snatched victory from the jaws of defeat to win their way through to the Under 17 National Championships.

Western Australia appeared to have the semi-final clash against NSW Metro locked away, needing less than 10 runs to win with a handful of overs and four wickets in hand.

But NSW Metro skipper Joel Foster and fellow seam bowler Jack Edwards somehow got their side over the line.

Needing just four runs off the final two overs, Edwards dismissed danger man Brendan McPhee for 42 while conceding just one run for the over.

Foster found the edge of Connor Chadwick with the first ball of the final over, with ‘keeper Baxter Holt pouching the catch, before Hayden Vogels picked out Austin Waugh at mid-off off the third ball of the over to seal victory for NSW Metro.

The NSW Metro skipper had previously been the star with the bat for his side, scoring an unbeaten 49 as his side was bowled out for 148.

Hosts cruise into final  

Queensland romped to a 10-wicket win against ACT/NSW Country, after disciplined bowling performance from the hosts saw their rivals dismissed for just 144.

After slipping to 3-17, a knock of 39 from Kaleb Phillips was pivotal to putting a score on the board for ACT/NSW Country, as Queensland bowlers Darcy Marsh, Matthew Willans, James Ward and Nathan Carroll each picked up two wickets.

But chasing 144 was never going to trouble Queensland as tournament leading run-scorer, skipper Angus Lovell, fired again alongside fellow opener Brandon Faber.

Lovell crashed 78 off just 85 deliveries and Faber impressed with 62 off 66 deliveries, as Queensland chased down the total with 25 overs to spare.

Who are the players to watch?

Austin Waugh (NSW Metro)

Batsman

250 runs at 50.00, one 50

Waugh has been NSW Metro’s leading run-scorer at the tournament, with the right-hander averaging just under 50 in the middle order. Has yet to be dismissed for less than 24, passing 50 in Round 3 against WA. Powerful through the off-side and takes the game on.

Ryan McElduff (NSW Metro)

Off-spinner

12 wickets at 9.16, one 5-for

Not afraid to throw the ball up, New South Wales Metro off-spinner McElduff has reaped the rewards, picking up 12 wickets. Five of those came against fellow semi-finalist Western Australia. McElduff has pushed through his overs quickly in the middle and has conceded only three runs per over.

Angus Lovell (Queensland)

Batsman

481 runs at 80.16, two 100s, three 50s

The definition of consistency so far at the Under 17 National Championships. The right-handed Lovell has yet to be dismissed for less than 30, crashing two centuries and three half-centuries - and 10 maximums along the way - to be the tournament’s leading run-scorer heading into the final.

Matthew Willans (Queensland)

Fast bowler

11 wickets at 8.45

Queensland is undefeated for many reasons going into the semi-finals - and fast bowler Matthew Willans is one of them. The left-arm quick is still only 15 years old, but has enjoyed a fantastic carnival so far. He has 11 wickets at an average of just 8.45 and has been extremely economical.

How can I watch?

The Under 17 National Championships final will be streamed live on cricket.com.au, through the CA Live App and on cricket.com.au's Facebook page from 9.30am local time (10.30am AEDT) on Thursday, October 6.