BARNSLEY Woolley Miners youngster Owen Smith is due to play for an Invitational XI against India and England under 19s next week.
The 18-year-old wicketkeeper batter is originally from Thurcroft but has been in the Shaw Lane youth system for a decade and now plays for their first team as well as the Yorkshire academy and second team.
Playing for essentially an England ‘B’ team in the games in Loughborough, he is set to come up against England under 19s on Monday and India under 19s on Tuesday.
Barnsley captain Boeta Beukes said: “It’s a big step up for him but he’s shown he can handle pressure with Yorkshire 2nd XI.
“He’ll be coming up against some of the best young players in the world, playing against England and India.
“Hopefully he can show he’s matured a lot.
“It’s a bit of a challenge but he loves a challenge.
“To get a call-up like this shows he’s got a very big future ahead of him.
“He’ll have to rest over the weekend so we won’t have him on Saturday which is a big miss.”
