BRAD Taylor, a former Alton College student and Holybourne cricketer, has been named captain of England Under 19s for their tri-series against Sri Lanka and India this month.

Following an appearance on BBC South Today, when he was interviewed during a squad training session, the Hampshire off-spinner and batsman, who also attended Eggar’s School, spoke of how he combined his education with a commitment to cricket.

“I loved my time at Alton College,” he said. “My tutors were always really helpful, giving me work to complete if I was away playing for England. I’m really grateful for their help as all my hard work has paid off and I’m ready for the challenge of leading the Under 19 squad.

“Growing up, I always had a bat or ball in my hands. I started playing at Holybourne Cricket Club and it went on from there. Having the chance to lead the team in Sri Lanka is fantastic. I’m looking forward to it.”

During his time at Alton College, working alongside his England commitments, Brad Taylor studied the BTEC extended diploma in sport and achieved three distinctions.

Dean Gillatt, sports master, remembered: “Brad worked hard to achieve the highest possible grade alongside playing a lot of cricket. We managed to support him and come up with a bespoke timetable that enabled him to play cricket at the highest level. He is a natural sportsman – one who can pick up any sport very quickly.”

David Graveney, England Development Programme’s chairman of selectors, said: “The tour to Sri Lanka represents the last chance for players to impress ahead of final selection for the ICC Under-19 World Cup in Bangladesh in January and February.

“We have selected a strong squad based on performances against Australia Under-19s this summer, while also giving opportunities to a couple of players who have not featured at this level before.”

Brad Taylor, still only 18, is a product of Hampshire’s youth system and made headlines in 2013 when, as a 16-year-old, he became the youngest Hampshire first-team player in 135 years after being picked to play against Lancashire. He took 4 for 64 and his then captain Dimitri Mascarenhas said he “can’t talk highly enough of him.”

To date, Taylor has played mainly for the 2nd XI and has impressed sufficiently to be selected for England Under 19s against South Africa.

He was awarded a development contract for the 2015 season and after another promising season for the County twos, was selected to captain the England U19s on their winter tour to Sri Lanka.