Cricket: Girl set for England Boys

A 15-YEAR-OLD schoolgirl, Laura Harper, a spin bowler from Cornwall, is on the verge of breaking into England's Under-15 boys' team. She has already reached the penultimate selection phase after being named in the West of England boys team.

Cath Harris, the England Cricket Board spokeswoman, said there were no rules preventing Harper from being selected for an England boys team. "She's a very talented off-spinner and the rules allow for it at age 15 for her to play for the England team," she said. "And she's a good chance on merits."

Harper took up the sport at eight when her mother suggested she go to a local club to find something to occupy her time. She has played the bulk of her cricket with the boys ever since.

She as already achieved representative honours in the women's game, earning a berth in the England under-17 squad.

Today, she is scheduled to fly out with the England A squad for the European Cup in Denmark.