The Western Australian Cricket Association today announced an Under-19 team for the forthcoming national youth championships.

The team is: Theo Doropoulos, Steven Jacques (vice-captain), Liam Davis, Dean Brownlie, Ryan Phillimore, Craig King, Matt Johnston, Ross Scali, Rhys May, Justin Coetzee, Brett Mathers, Ty Hopes, Graeme Atkinson and Hayden Patrizi.

Former Western Australian off-spinner Bret Mulder will coach the team. Former WA batsman Doug Harris is manager.

The team will contest the national titles in Canberra from December 11-22.

Following is a brief critique of each player selected.

Theo Doropoulos-25/4/85, Captain – Scarborough – This 17 year old bats at number five for the powerful Scarborough first-grade team and his outstanding leadership qualities have seen him named team captain.

Steven Jacques-10/12/83, Vice-captain – Joondalup – The young right-arm quick bowls with genuine pace and is currently one of the leading bowlers in the SunSmart Cup.

Liam Davis-2/8/84 – Scarborough – Davis is an aggressive opener who is a powerful striker of the ball.

Dean Brownlie-30/7/84 – Joondalup – Brownlie is a solid middle-order batsman who bats to the situation in the Steve Waugh mould.

Ryan Phillimore-26/10/84 – Bayswater-Morley – Phillimore is a very versatile cricketer, he bats in the middle-order and can bowl left-arm medium pace and finger spin.

Craig King-16/3/84 – Wanneroo – King is a very dependable opener who featured in a record 309 run opening stand with Michael Hussey in the SunSmart Cup for Wanneroo earlier in the season.

Matt Johnston-15/10/85 – Willetton – Johnston is the side's all-rounder, equally adept with his probing right-arm medium pace or left-handed batting, he is young enough to qualify for the State Under 17's.

Ross Scali-9/4/83 – Perth – Scali is one of the sides leading bowlers with his accurate left-arm swing and seam bowling. He opens the bowling in the SunSmart Cup for Perth.

Rhys May-10/12/84 – Bayswater Morley – May is a very correct batsman who works the ball into the gaps and bats in the middle-order for SunSmart Cup competition leaders Bayswater-Morley.

Justin Coetzee-12/6/84 – Scarborough – Coetzee is a gifted left-arm swing bowler who has made an immediate impact opening the bowling for Scarborough in the SunSmart Cup.

Brett Mathers-16/1/85 – Wanneroo – This medium-fast swing bowler was a member of the State Under 17's last season and will look keep things tight opening the bowling into the breeze.

Ty Hopes-4/4/84 – Scarborough – This leg-spinner is the fourth Scarborough player to be selected in the team indicating the side should gel together quickly.

Graeme Atkinson-23/12/85 – Wanneroo – Atkinson bowls probing right-arm off-spin that has seen him become an integral part of Wanneroo's SunSmart Cup campaign.

Hayden Patrizi1/10/85 – Midland Guildford – The side's wicketkeeper, Patrizi can still qualify for the State Under 17's which indicates he plays with maturity that belies his years.

© 2003 Western Australian Cricket Association

This report does not necessarily represent the views of the Australian Cricket Board.