Northern Jets batsman makes SA under-19 squad for Cricket Australia National Championships

FIND out why this grade cricketer is happy he won't be at Adelaide Oval to watch Australia take on the Poms.

Connor McLean, of Hillbank, has made SA's under-19 cricket squad. Picture: Nicholas...

NORTHERN Jets batsman Connor McLean could not be happier about missing out on being at Adelaide Oval for this week's Ashes Test.

The right-hand batsman is part of South Australia's under-19 squad that arrived in Hobart today for the 10-day Cricket Australia National Championships.

"I would have liked to have gone but I'll be able to watch it on the TV in Hobart during the day," the Hillbank 17-year-old said.

His selection - announced last week - comes just two weeks after he graduated from Adelaide High School.

"I didn't actually think I would get selected because there was a lot of players still in contention for it, but a good performance got me selected.

"We had a three-day camp at Park 25 cricket grounds where we played a few trial games and I hit a couple of 50s, a 40 and a 60, so that was good."

SA's under-19 side walked away winners last year and McLean is confident they can go back-to-back.

"There's a lot of players who played in the team last year and there's a lot of young players coming through, so I think we'll go pretty well."

McLean has played for SA at under-12, under-15 and under-17 levels.

He dreams of playing for the Redbacks one day, even "for just one game", but has his sights set on a career in physiotherapy.

McLean got to train at the new-look Adelaide Oval in the lead-up to the championship and reckons Australia is well-placed to take a 2-0 Ashes lead.

"The stadium is looking really world-class and it's good to train at."