Oxfordshire youth cricketer Jordan Garrett is determined to make the most of his chance when he lines up for England Under 17s against Pakistan in Dubai, writes Russell Smith.

The 15-year-old batsman, from Witney, is in the United Arab Emirates for three 50-over games, which got under way at the ICC Academy yesterday morning and a three-day match at the same venue.

Garrett, who plays for Great & Little Tew, said: “I feel wellequipped going out there and am happy with my game and hopefully it will be a good tour.

“I know my game and what I am good at and how to go about it, whether it’s a 50-over game or a three-day game. I am comfortable with either.”

Since learning of his selection just before Christmas, Garrett has been on a training weekend with the England squad at Loughborough and also twice weekly with Gloucestershire, who he played ten 2nd XI games for last season, at Bristol.

“Now I want to up the ante and am really excited about what is coming ahead and the whole trip and everything about it,” said the Henry Box School pupil.

Garrett, who hopes to bat in the top four, has been advised on the different conditions he can expect to encounter and how to tackle Pakistan, who are renowned for having talented spinners.

“It should be a good experience out there,” he added. “You have to get through the first hour and the ball will stop swinging and then it comes down to spin.

“I have done quite a lot of work against spin since Christmas, putting extra matting down and trying to get used to playing in the conditions where it will turn and bounce a bit more.

“It’s not just getting used to surviving, but scoring as well and moving about the crease and about the pitch in those conditions.”

Garrett is one of three players in the 15-man squad, who have been selected a year early for the age group.

“It was a bit of a surprise,” he admitted.

“I wasn’t expecting it.

“It crossed my mind that I would have to wait until next year, but to get the opportunity now is obviously great.

“I want to do it next year as well, and then I will have the experience from this time around.”