Jarrod Freeman was forced to helplessly watch from the stands on Sunday, but the Mowbray prodigy is begging to be picked in Australia’s next under-19 World Cup fixture in New Zealand – and for good reason.
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Australia conceded far too many runs and failed to have the strike power to run down India’s imposing 329-target on a flat Tauranga deck amid last Sunday’s opening round.
Freeman, 17, is hoping that the familiarity of the softer Christchurch wickets pre-tournament will earn him a call-up for game two.
The team prepared on the Lincoln Green – Australia’s venue for its next two pool matches – that included a warm-up win over Sri Lanka.
Freeman did not get the chance to bat – Australia’s next warm-up game against South Africa was washed out – but felt comfortable early on bowling his offbreaks.
“The conditions there were, weather-wise, I’d say similar to Tasmania,” he said.
“It was overcast conditions until the wind changes a bit.
“The pitch had a bit of grass on it, which sometimes you just don’t always get in Tassie, but sometimes you do. I can see the similarities.”
Australia, aiming for a first under-19 trophy since the 2010 Mitch Marsh-led outfit, face Zimbabwe on Wednesday and PNG on Friday.