THORNBURY youngster Chris Dent is hoping to help England to glory in the ICC under-19 World Cup.

The 18-year-old batsman and Gloucestershire team-mate David Payne flew out to New Zealand with the squad last week.

England meet Hong Kong at Lincoln University on Saturday in their opening group match.

Tournament favourites India are also in England’s group along with Afghanistan.

England last won this tournament in the inaugural year 1998 under the captaincy of Owais Shah and they have failed to reach the final in the five subsequent tournaments, including 2002 at the same Christchurch venue when the squad contained wicketkeeper Steve Pope.

He was the only Gloucestershire player to be selected for this event before Dent and Payne.

Gloucestershire’s director of cricket will not only be keeping an eye on the progress of the young county duo at the tournament but two of his nephews - Doug and Mitchell Bracewell - who are in the New Zealand squad.