CRICKETER Ben Foakes has vowed to stay focused and not get ahead of himself after securing his place in the England squad for next month’s Under-19 World Cup in Australia.

The right-handed batsman and wicket-keeper will be vice-captain of the 15-man squad, who will play their opening game against the hosts in Townsville on August 11.

England’s young guns then face Ireland the following day, before a match with Nepal on August 16.

Former Frinton cricketer Foakes, who lives in Kirby-le-Soken, is delighted to have been chosen for the squad heading Down Under.

But he plans to take things one step at a time - with his immediate ambition being to play an important role in Essex’s ongoing LV= County Championship division two match against Gloucestershire.

“It’s been a fantastic year for me and so much has happened,” he said.

“But it’s very important that I don’t get ahead of myself.

“I have to focus on things one at a time and if I concentrate too much on the World Cup it will destract me from Essex.

“This Championship match is very important for me and then I’ll switch my attention to next week’s World Cup warm-up game against Ireland at Grace Road, Leicestershire.”