England captain and former Oxfordshire Colt Andrew Strauss has given his backing for the county under 19 team’s winter tour to Australia.

The county are sending a squad of 16 down under in a ground-breaking tour, which co-incides with England’s Ashes tour.

They fly out on December 3.

Strauss, who was a pupil at Radley College, will lead England as they bid to win the Ashes on Australian soil for the first time in 24 years.

And he was delighted to hear of his former county side touring the country.

Strauss said: “To send a team of under 19 cricketers to Australia is one of the most exciting and ambitious undertakings in the rich history of Oxfordshire cricket.

“It is a tremendous tribute to the OCB Youth Committee that they have arranged such an impressive itinerary, including an history first for an Oxfordshire county junior side to play in the country during an England Ashes tour.

“I will, of course, be there myself overseeing the small matter of winning the Ashes in Australia for the first time in some 24 years.

“I strongly believe that cricket is a great educator, character builder and friend maker, and so for all those involved, I hope they take full advantage of such a wonderful opportunity.

“For many, this will be a once in a lifetime experience, and I hope that the tour will be well-supported by the wider community.”

Players selected for the tour are now in the process of fundraising.

Oxfordshire Youth head coach Darryl Woods said: “It was considered very important that the players were selected on merit and that this was a fully representative Oxfordshire team.

“To try and offset the costs to the players, we have launched lots of sponsorship and fundraising initiatives, because we want this tour to be open to all those selected – not just those who can afford it.”

To help with fundraising, contact Andy Martindale on 07503 183015 or email ocbtour@ googlemail.com.

A sponsorship pack is available and more information will be at www.oxoncb.com