WILL Gifford, a pupil at Malvern College from 1999-2003, has been selected for the England U19 cricket squad to tour Malaysia and India in January.

A talented all rounder, Will was captain of the Malvern College team that won the Taverners Trophy, defeating all school opposition in Britain.

College house master and former Hamp-shire cricketer Andy Murtagh said: "He is a terrific batsman and I saw no better player on the circuit when he was here.

"He has a wonderful eye and hits the ball with enormous power. He is not a bad seamer either and catches 'swallows' in the slips. Will has level-headed temperament which will stand him in good stead on a tour of the sub-continent. I have high hopes for him in the professional game."

Gifford has a contract for the summer of 2005 with Worcestershire CCC.