Worcestershire keeper-batter Seth Essenhigh, has earned his first England Under-19 call-up at the age of 16, for the 50 Over Tri-Series against Scotland and Ireland at Loughborough later this month.
Essenhigh, a member of Worcestershire’s 2022-2023 and 2023-2024 Academy intakes, is part of a squad who will take on both of their opponents twice in the space of seven days.
The Worcester-born player has been a consistent performer for the Academy and was selected for the 2023 ECB Bunbury Festival and 2024 Super Fours.
He made his Seconds debut as a 15-year-old last summer against the South Asian Cricket Academy and this summer has appeared in three Championship and six T20 games at that level.
Last week Essenhigh, who plays Birmingham and District Premier League cricket for Ombersley, came within two runs of his maiden Seconds century in the Championship fixture against Middlesex at Radlett.
The Tri-Series gives players the chance to stake an early claim for consideration for the 2026 ICC Under-19 World Cup in Zimbabwe and Namibia.
Worcestershire Assistant Coach Richard Jones, who oversees the Seconds, said: “There wouldn’t have been many 16-year-olds over the years who have forced their way in (to the Under-19s).
“They are picking a younger group this year because they have got an eye on the 2025 Under-19 World Cup so are looking at younger players, Under-17s, Under-16 guys.
“Seth has done very well to get into that squad but I’m not surprised because I’ve seen his talent the last couple of years and it is exciting.
“There will be overseas tours this winter for the Under-19s and then the following winter is the World Cup.”
Jones is impressed with Essenhigh’s all-round maturity for someone so young.
He said: “He has been someone I’ve been keeping an eye on over the last couple of years.
“When I first saw him as a 15-year-old, what stood out was that his basics were very good for a lad so young, and against decent bowling as well.
“He has performed consistently well for the Academy over the last couple of years and has shown himself to be quite an explosive batter.
“He did really well last years for the Under-18s and then got to the Bunburys where he did really well and he has continued that this year.
“He has played some really eye-catching innings. Got to the Super Fours, which I attended, and what is most impressive for me is how he is and how he carries himself.
“For someone so young, he is very confident without being arrogant, a very likeable lad, and seems quite mature for his age, so when you speak to him about anything he is very switched on.”
Jones added: “Playing Seconds team cricket this year has been great for him and I was keen to give him as many opportunities as I can because I believe in his ability. I think he is going to have a really bright future.
“He played very well last week and was really unlucky not to get his maiden Seconds hundred But he is in a really good spot. He needs to keep working hard and has areas of his game that need to keep improving but he is a really good prospect for us.
“With his keeping, he does show a natural skill for keeping and has certainly got potential.”
England Men U19s 16-player squad:
Thomas Rew (Somerset – captain), Ralphie Albert (Surrey), Ben Dawkins (Kent), Seth Essenhigh (Worcestershire), Alex Green (Leicestershire), Byron Hatton-Lowe (Nottinghamshire), Joe Heywood (Somerset), Haider Hussain (Lancashire), James Isbell (Middlesex), Ben Mayes (Hampshire), James Minto (Durham), Harry Moore (Derbyshire), Joe Moores (Lancashire), Sebastian Morgan (Middlesex), Samarjeet Singh (Middlesex), Alex Wade (Yorkshire).
England Men U19s Tri-Series schedule:
England U19 v Ireland U19, Haslegrave, Loughborough University – Thursday 12 September (10.30am)
England U19 v Scotland U19, Haslegrave, Loughborough University – Saturday 14 September (10.30am)
England U19 v Ireland U19, Brockington, Loughborough University – Monday 16 September (10.30am)
England U19 v Scotland U19, Brockington, Loughborough University – Wednesday 18 September (10.30am)
