Otago will field an experienced team at this month's national Under-19 tournament at Lincoln University.

Five players have returned from last year's side, which finished third, while several of the promoted players have strong pedigrees.

Returning from last season are captain wicket-keeper/batsman Henry Bates, stylish batsmen Michael Ross and Nick Morrison, who has again returned from Western Australia, opening bowler Mathew Harvie and left-arm leg-spinner Simon Murley.

New Zealand Under-17 representative last summer Craig Smith has been named along with prolific run scorer for King's High School this year Glendon Baird. Central Otago Hawke Cup players Brendan Domigan and Eric Standfield are included as is North Otago Hawke Cup representative Scott Simpson.

The team is rounded out by Otago Boys' High batsman Sam Wells and last season's Otago Under-17 skipper Hayden King.

Warm-up matches have been scheduled against the Otago Development XI for the next week and the tournament starts at Lincoln on December 11. A mixture of one and two-day matches will be played over in the fortnight leading into Christmas.

The Otago Under-19 side for the national tournament is: Henry Bates (captain), Glendon Baird, Brendan Domigan, Mathew Harvie, Hayden King, Simon Murley, Michael Ross, Scott Simpson, Eric Standfield, Sam Wells, Nick Morrison and Craig Smith. The team will be coached by Mike Hesson.

© CricInfo