Talented young Oxford- shire cricketer Dan Housego has been given a wonderful New Year's present after learning he has been called up to play for England under 16s on their tour of South Africa.

The 15-year-old, from Peppard, who attends the Oratory School near Reading, has been rewarded handsomely for a tremendous 2003, which saw him blossom from a promising Oxfordshire colt to an England international.

He earned his first-ever England cap at under 15 level in August, when he played against Scotland under 17s, Ireland under 17s and England under 16s, and also picked up the prestigious Neil Lloyd Trophy for best batsman at the famous Bunbury Festival.

He was in pretty illustrious company. The trophy has formerly been won by England stars Andrew Flintoff, John Crawley and Mark Ramprakash, but Dan became the youngest-ever winner of the award, after averaging 99 over three innings at the festival.

Few would doubt the precocious talent that Housego possesses. Last summer, Oxfordshire's cricket development officer Rupert Evans said of the youngster: "Dan is a very special young player. He is all about poise, timing and elegance, and he plays to his strengths very well."

The tour of South Africa starts on February 14, and during the 14 day trip, Housego will play in four games, including a tough match against Western Province's under 17 academy.

The youngest member of the squad, Dan said: "It will be a real bonus for me playing a year below, because I still have another year left at this age group, and I should learn a lot. I'm very proud to play for my country.

"Batting on wickets that are completely different to those in England will be a good experience, and I'm really looking forward to this, as it's my first tour."

Dan, who is a member of Gloucestershire's cricket academy, trains with the ECB's England Academy at Loughborough University, and is also coached weekly at school by former Gloucestershire batsman Tony Wright. He first took up cricket at the age of eight, when his father set up a practice net in his garden, and the youngster has gone from strength to strength ever since.

He has a natural ability, eye for the ball, and patience which belies his age.

A specialist opening batsman, Dan has played for Henley at youth level, and his biggest strides have come in the last 18 months, under the guidance of Oxfordshire and Gloucestershire coaches.

Jim Housego, Dan's father, said: "At every age group, technical aspects of the game change, but Dan has shown a tremendous attitude.

"He doesn't like giving his wicket away, which is a crucial attribute - especially as a top-order batsman.

"He works very hard on his fitness, and you cannot fault him on his commitment. I'm extremely proud of him."

Also a talented footballer - he is on the books of Oxford United - Housego certainly appears to have the sporting world at his feet.