BASINGSTOKE cricket star Mitchell Stokes has been selected for the trip of a lifetime to play for England's under-19s in India.
The 17-year-old is part of a 14-man squad that will travel to the southern hemisphere for three Test matches and three one-day internationals.
And he was this week given some valuable advice by former England cricket captain Nasser Hussain.
Hussain was in Basingstoke on Tuesday to sign copies of his autobiography, Playing with Fire, at Ottakar's bookshop.
When asked if he had any tips for Stokes, he said: "Make sure you enjoy the experience.
"Being on tour will round you as a player, and India is a great place to go, as cricket is so important to them.
"Get into the nets as much as possible and, as you are a spin bowler, talk to all the Asian spin bowlers so you can add some mystery to your game."
Summing up, the player of 96 Tests - 45 of which he was in charge - said: "It is a great opportunity and I hope the tour goes well for him."
The England team first fly out to Malaysia on December 29 for acclimatisation, before going to India on January 7, where they will remain for more than a month, leaving on February 12.
The selection caps an excellent season for the Basingstoke and North Hants cricketer, in which he also played for Hampshire Academy and the second XI.
This summer, the teenager played for England's under-17s and was surprised to get the call-up to the under-19 side, in which he will be joined by Hampshire colleague David Griffiths.
Stokes, of Frances Road, Basingstoke, said: "I had a good trial at the end of the season and that must have done the trick as I only expected to be picked for the under-18s.
"I am now finding out as much as I can about what it is like to play in India."
Having been selected for the under-19s, his ambition is now to make sure he stays in the team.
He added: "I would love to play in the under-19 World Cup in 2006, so I will make sure I do well and keep myself in the picture."
His inclusion in the young England team's trip can only enhance his hopes of being offered a contract for Hampshire next season, which is another ambition.
Stokes added: "That is something I am hoping for, and being picked for this tour can't have done my chances any harm."
The England team will be led by Worcestershire wicket-keeper Steve Davies and also includes Ben Harmison of Durham, younger brother of England pace bowler Steve Harmison.
Former England under-19 players now in the full Test side are Marcus Trescothick and Andrew Flintoff.
The full England squad is Mitchell Stokes (Hampshire), David Griffiths (Hampshire), Moeen Ali (Worcestershire), Steven Davies (Worcestershire), Joseph Denly (Kent), Mark Footitt (Nottinghamshire), Ben Harmison (Durham), Adam Harrison (Glamorgan), Mark Lawson (Yorkshire), Steven Mallaney (Lancashire), Michael O'Shea (Glamorgan), John Simpson (Lancashire) and Tom Smith (Lancashire).
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