Albany teen gets the nod

Albany all-rounder Mitchell Jackson has leapt into the frame for potential future State selection after being named in an 18-man WA XI squad which will take on Afghanistan in two one-day matches at the WACA Ground this Sunday and Tuesday.

Jackson, 17, was selected in the extended squad for the limited overs clashes against the fledgling cricket nation which arrived in Perth last Sunday as they prepare for the ICC Cricket World Cup 2015.

The Collingwood Park all-rounder’s meteoric rise continues after he was last year selected as one of only two regional players in the WA State Under-17 boys squad for the National Championships in Adelaide in January.

WA XI coach Geoff Marsh ruled out Jackson breaking into the first XI squad for the two matches but said the exposure he would receive would be invaluable to his development.

“It’s an opportunity for him to be in the 13 and to mix with all the boys,” Marsh said.

“The selectors want to give the kids as much opportunity to mix with all their young peers and this is just an opportunity for him to be around some top players.”

Jackson will rub shoulders with a host of WA contracted players including Marcus Harris, Nathan Rimmington, John Rogers and Matt Dixon, who recently visited Albany.

Afghanistan qualified for the World Cup through the ICC World Cricket League Championship, where they finished second behind Ireland.

More in Tuesday’s Albany Advertiser.

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