Finch gets England U19 call

The Hastings Priory starlet will be part of the England Elite Player Development age group team at under-19 level based from the National Cricket Performance Centre at Loughborough.

He said: “I’m very excited. I was a little bit surprised. It wasn’t really one of my main targets last year - I was just trying to do really well for Sussex twos - but when I heard I got the call-up it was really pleasing.”

Finch, who wasn’t part of the England set-up at under-15 or under-17 level, is potentially on a two-year programme with a review after the first year. England under-19s are due to tour South Africa in January.

Although primarily a batsman, Finch is in the squad as an all-rounder and expects to operate as a fourth seamer. He is one of three Sussex players selected along with Callum Jackson (Eastbourne) and Abidine Sakande (Three Bridges).

Now a regular in the Sussex second team at the age of just 17, Finch is next season aiming to make his front side debut, receive a county contract and retain his place in the England under-19 squad.

“Born to play cricket” in the eyes of one former Priory captain, Finch has recently started the second year of a cricket scholarship and bursary at Eastbourne College where he is also studying English, business and PE at A-Level.

The son of Priory’s 2011 Sussex League-winning captain Jason Finch and grandson of Peter Finch, Harry made 12 appearances for Priory in all competitions this year with best performances of 68 not out and 4-35.

See tomorrow’s Hastings Observer for the full article.