This squad, along with the NSW Metropolitan squad, were selected following the under 19 State Challenge in Sydney during October.

Gilkes will be joined by fellow South Coast talent Tom Engelbrecht in the squad.

Cricket NSW Assistant and Pathways Coach, and coach of the NSW Metro under 19 team, Beau Casson, said the upcoming National Championships is a chance for some of the young talents of NSW Cricket to test themselves against top opposition.

“We are looking forward to playing a positive NSW brand of cricket that showcases their skills,” Casson said.

“It’s an opportunity for each player to test themselves against their peers on the national stage.

“Any opportunity to represent NSW is something you’ll never forget.”

ACT/NSW Country coach Greg McLay said he is looking for across the board contributions from his players if they are to take home the major prize in Tasmania.

“It is an exciting year for Cricket NSW with a strong contingent of U19’s players across both the ACT/NSW Country and the NSW Metro teams,” McLay said.

“To be competitive at the under 19 Championships, we will need solid contributions across the group.

IIt can never be left to a select few to get us over the line - each player will need to stand up when it is their turn and if that happens, then we should have a strong carnival.”

The under 19 National Championships gets underway on December 4 with ACT/NSW Country to take on South Australia in the opener, while NSW Metro will play Tasmania – before the final is held on December 15.

Following the National Championships, the Australia under 19 side will be selected for next year’s under 19 World Cup in New Zealand.

ACT/NSW Country under 19s: Jason Sangha, Tom Engelbrecht, Iain Carlisle, Charlie Dummer, Matthew Gilkes, Daniel Leerdam, Ryan Meppem, Jordie Misic, Blake Nikitaras, Ryan O’Beirne, Jason Ralston, Tom Scoble and Sam Skelly.