USA National Under 19’s Team

USACA U19 National Team Selection – Phase 1 Completed - Moves To Phase 2

In February of this year, USACA developed an approach for selecting the National Under 19’s team that will compete ICC America’s Under 19 Division One tournament to be held in Toronto (Canada) from July 7th to 15th 2013.

There were two (2) phases in the agreed approach;

Phase One – Regional Selection Trials

Each of the eight (8) Regions in the US are hosting trials during the month of April. The Region has the responsibility of providing matches or events that provide the best opportunity for players in their Region to be the most talented players to be considered by the National Selectors.

The format of each Region’s selection trial varies slightly and suits the approach endorsed by the Regional organizing group. There was no stipulation by USACA as to the manner in which the trial had to be conducted. The end result was to ensure that the best players in the Region were exposed to the national selectors.

By all reports Phase One has been a huge success so far as somewhere up to 300 U19 players nationwide would have been given the opportunity to participate and ultimately showcase their talents to the national selectors.

 Phase Two – USACA Selection Weekend

In a change from the original plan for Phase 2, Twenty four (24) players will now be invited to participate in a Combine in Florida. These players should represent the very best twenty four

(24) players that the National Selectors have seen nationwide in action in April. Selectors are not selecting teams, so if there are a high number of batsmen (for example), this is acceptable. All twenty four (24) players selected will receive an invitation to participate in this inaugural USACA Under 19 Combine which will be held on May 31st to June 2nd 2013 at the Lauderhill Stadium, Florida. USACA has enlisted the assistance of the ICC America’s High Performance Department to deliver this exciting initiative.

The format of the Combine will include speed, endurance and strength tests and cricketing skills testing along with a series of matches of varying lengths. A detailed plan of activities will be   sent to the 24 selectees so that they may be aware of what is expected of them at the Combine and for them to prepare accordingly.

 Combine

This is the first time the squad will be selected this way and provides the selectors with the chance to assess technical, tactical, physical and mental strengths. The weekend will start on the Friday with a combine concept which will test technical skills in batting against pace and spin as well as fielding skills and also bowling skills where relevant. All tests will be measurable so selectors can make a direct comparison between players. There will also be a physical test which will measure strength, endurance and speed.

On Saturday there will be a 50 over match so the selectors can get a glimpse of tactical awareness in a game situation as well as mental strength in tough situations. Sunday’s format will depend on what and who the selectors want to see in action again.

 Final Team Selection

All US National Selectors will be in attendance at the Combine. At the end of which, the  National Selectors will select the final US Squad of fourteen (14) players to represent the  country at the ICC America’s Under 19 Division One tournament. Team balance will be crucial to the final group of fourteen (14). The National Selectors will also select 4 reserves.

For More Information on USACA U19 Combine Contact: Manaf Mohamed
USACA GM, Cricket Operations