OXFORDSHIRE’S Jack Taylor is closing in on a place in the England Under 19 Cricket World Cup squad.

The Great & Little Tew all-rounder was invited to join the English Cricket Board Under 18 scholarship tour to Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia, and flew out with the rest of the squad yesterday.

He will be under the direction of Emerging Player Development manager John Abrahams and performance manager David Graveney for the 15-day trip.

The squad of 20 will be put through their paces in a training camp in Malaysia, and will also play two games.

One of the tour’s main aims is preparation for the 2010 Under 19 World Cup which takes place in Kenya next February, and Taylor has an outstanding chance of making that squad.

Gloucestershire County Cricket Club, who have given Taylor a two-year development contract, believe the youngster has what it takes to get into the first-class game.

And his England call-up has reinforced their thoughts.

Academy director Owen Dawkins said: “I am delighted for Jack, as he has worked very hard to get his foot in the door.

“He has huge potential, and I am sure we will see very good things from this gifted young cricketer.”

Taylor will remain with Gloucestershire’s academy for the remainder of the winter, and when he breaks up from school in the summer holidays, he will link up with the professional squad and play cricket for Knowle, who are in the West of England Premier League.

He said: “I’m ecstatic to be entertaining the world of professional cricket.

“I know it’s only the beginning of what I aim to be a long career for both Gloucestershire and England.”

Jack’s father, Kevin, said: “It’s just been an unbelieveable six months for Jack.

“I’m so proud of what he has achieved, and Gloucestershire have told me not to be surprised if he gets a call into the first team this season.

“The tour to Malaysia is going to be incredibly tough work – they will be up at 5am each morning working hard on everything from the mental side of the game to fitness.

“The camp is all about preparation for the Under 19 World Cup in Kenya, and to think that Jack has a chance to be in that is amazing.”

Darryl Woods, Oxfordshire youth cricket’s head coach, said: “We are delighted Jack is touring with the England Under 18s, and we are keeping our fingers crossed for an England Under 19 World Cup call-up.”