Two sixth-form pupils at The Canterbury Academy are preparing for the under-19 Cricket World Cup in South Africa - where they could face each other!

Ashford-born Alexa Stonehouse, 18, and 17-year-old Darcey Carter have been selected to represent England and Scotland respectively.

Both Kent players, who are expected to find out the county’s 2023 fixtures soon, enjoyed excellent seasons.

The Canterbury Academy’s director of sport, Phil Relf, has been impressed by the efforts the girls have made since joining the school.

“We have challenged Alexa and Darcey while they have been with us and, even though they have occasionally had setbacks, their attitude has been generally excellent,” he said.

“They work hard at their games and have made real progress with their fitness.

"Our programme has been enhanced by their involvement and we are extremely proud of the recognition they have been given by their countries.

“We wish them both the best of luck, and an England versus Scotland game would be an interesting battle if it ever came down to that!”

All-rounder Carter, who plays her club cricket for Hayes and Whitstable, performed well for Scotland this summer and scored an international hundred in August against The Netherlands.

Glasgow-born Carter is also a skilful fielder with an excellent throwing arm.

Seamer Stonehouse - also of Whitstable CC - was part of the Trent Rockets’ Hundred squad this summer. Despite not featuring for the side in the tournament, she had valuable time in an elite environment alongside proven international players.

She performed well with the ball for The South East Stars and was a key part of their summer campaign.

Her left-arm pace bowling is often used in the first powerplay and at the end of the innings, so she has to manage some high-pressure situations.

Both are part of the cricket programme at The Canterbury Academy and get the opportunity to receive daily support for their cricket and their academic qualifications.

They have intensive training schedules which often sees them travelling to south London for sessions with their representative squads.

They played a part in The Canterbury Academy’s 2022 season, too, featuring in the overseas success at a festival in Spain and in the National Cup run which ended in defeat to Shrewsbury School in the final.

The under-19 Cricket World Cup will start in South Africa on January 14 and runs until the end of the month.

England are in Group B alongside Pakistan, Zimbabwe and Rwanda while Group D contains India, South Africa and the United Arab Emirates, as well as Scotland.