At just 17, James Minto isn’t just playing cricket—he’s rewriting Durham’s history books. The left-arm medium-fast bowler and left-handed batter from Norton, County Durham has been named in the England Men Under 19s squad for the upcoming One-Day International series against Bangladesh and Ireland, announced on . It’s his second call-up this month, following his inclusion in the Caribbean tour squad announced on , and comes just days after he took his maiden five-wicket haul for England U19s against Bangladesh on . This isn’t a lucky break—it’s the culmination of a meteoric rise that’s already shattered county records before he’s even voted into the local pub.
A Teenager Who Broke the Mold
Minto didn’t wait for adulthood to make his mark. On , at 16 years and 296 days, he became the youngest first-class player in Durham County Cricket Club history, stepping onto the pitch at The Oval against Surrey. Not only that—he took a wicket, becoming the second youngest post-WWII player in English first-class cricket to do so. Then, in May 2025, he did something even more astonishing: sent in as a nightwatchman against Nottinghamshire at the Riverside Ground, the 17-year-old smashed a 67-run half-century. He became Durham’s youngest ever half-centurion. That’s not a fluke. That’s a pattern.He signed his first professional contract with Durham in May 2025, barely a month after that knock. His List A debut came in July 2024 against Worcestershire, where he claimed two wickets. By 17, he was already playing against men twice his age—and winning.
The Squad and the Stakes
The England U19 squad for the Bangladesh and Ireland ODIs includes six uncapped players, among them Will Bennison (Yorkshire), Jamie Feldman (Middlesex), Luke Hands (Lancashire), and Joe Hawkins. But Minto stands out—not because he’s the youngest, but because he’s the most proven. He’s already faced pressure in county cricket. He’s already delivered under the lights of first-class matches. And now, he’s being tested against international youth sides.Head coach Mike Yardy has been clear about the goal: “We’ve selected an exciting squad for the ODI series. We have players who have a variety of white-ball skills and are predominantly available for the ICC Under-19 World Cup in the winter.” The tournament, organized by the International Cricket Council and set for late 2025 in the United Arab Emirates, is the biggest stage for young cricketers. Every performance in these ODIs is a CV entry for selectors.
Why This Matters Beyond the Scorecard
Durham, founded in 1882, has long been a breeding ground for talent—think Paul Collingwood, Ben Stokes, and now, potentially, Minto. But this isn’t just about one club. It’s about England’s future. With the senior team transitioning through a rebuilding phase, the U19s are the pipeline. And Minto? He’s not just filling a slot—he’s redefining what’s possible for a teenager in English cricket.His left-arm angle, deceptive pace, and calmness with the bat under pressure make him a rare two-way threat. Unlike many juniors who rely on raw talent, Minto has shown adaptability: opening as a nightwatchman, bowling in the death overs, handling the weight of expectation. That’s not just skill—it’s mental toughness.
What Comes Next?
The Bangladesh and Ireland ODIs aren’t just friendlies. They’re live auditions. The series will be closely watched by the ECB’s national selectors, who must finalize the 15-man World Cup squad by November. If Minto can replicate his county form on the international stage—especially against Bangladesh’s aggressive junior batsmen—he could be the surprise name on the final list. And if he does? He’ll be the first player from County Durham since Stokes to be named in an England senior squad before turning 21.There’s no guarantee, of course. Youth cricket is littered with prodigies who faded. But Minto’s trajectory is different. He’s not just fast. He’s consistent. He’s not just young—he’s prepared.
Background: The Road to the Top
Minto started playing at his local junior club in Norton at age eight. By 13, he was in Durham’s first XI. He joined the academy in December 2023. His progression wasn’t linear—it was explosive. He didn’t wait for invitations. He made them.His selection for the India U19 series in June 2024 was his first taste of international cricket. He didn’t dominate then—but he learned. By September 2025, he was taking five-wicket hauls. That’s the kind of growth coaches dream of.
And while the exact dates and venues for the Bangladesh and Ireland ODIs remain unconfirmed, the stakes couldn’t be higher. The England and Wales Cricket Board (ECB) is under pressure to deliver a competitive U19 team after a disappointing 2022 World Cup campaign. Minto could be the spark they need.
Frequently Asked Questions
How significant is James Minto’s selection for the England U19s?
Extremely. At 17, Minto is already Durham’s youngest ever first-class player and half-centurion. His selection isn’t just recognition—it’s a signal that he’s being groomed for senior international duty. With the ICC Under-19 World Cup looming, his performances in the Bangladesh and Ireland ODIs could determine whether he earns a spot in the final 15-man squad.
What makes James Minto different from other young cricketers?
Most teenagers rely on raw talent. Minto combines skill with maturity—he’s batted as a nightwatchman, bowled in high-pressure situations, and delivered statistically rare feats before turning 18. His left-arm angle and ability to score runs under pressure make him a rare two-way threat, something England’s selectors value highly ahead of the World Cup.
When is the ICC Under-19 World Cup, and where is it being held?
The ICC Under-19 World Cup is scheduled for winter 2025 and will be hosted in the United Arab Emirates. The tournament, run by the International Cricket Council, features national under-19 teams from over 15 countries and serves as the primary pathway to senior international cricket.
Has any player from County Durham made it to the senior England team recently?
Yes—Ben Stokes, who emerged from Durham’s academy, became a mainstay in the senior England team by his early 20s. Minto’s rapid rise mirrors Stokes’ early trajectory, and if he continues his current form, he could become the first Durham-born player since Stokes to break into the senior England squad before age 21.
What role does Mike Yardy play in England U19’s development?
Mike Yardy, former Sussex all-rounder and current England U19 head coach, is focused on building a balanced, adaptable squad for white-ball cricket. He prioritizes players who can perform under pressure and contribute with both bat and ball—exactly Minto’s profile. Yardy’s track record suggests he won’t hesitate to back proven performers over raw potential.
Why are the Bangladesh and Ireland ODIs so important for England’s U19 team?
These series are critical preparation for the World Cup. Bangladesh’s junior side is physically strong and aggressive, while Ireland’s pace attack offers a different challenge. Playing both back-to-back gives selectors real-world data on how players handle varying conditions and opposition styles—far more telling than internal nets or training matches.