Yorkshire CCC Under-19 cricketer, Zubair Raje, is planning to frighten a few opening bowlers in the Bradford League this coming season - and force his way into the county side.

Raje, who hammered a ton for Yorkshire Under-19s last season against Durham, has just returned from a six-week spell at the world famous Australian Cricket Academy where he was coached daily by former Aussie international, Wayne Phillips.

"Being coached by an ex-Test cricketer has given me a great boost," said Raje. "His experience and knowledge has helped me no end.

"I hope to break into the Yorkshire first team this season. I believe I can play at that level. Spending six weeks with the Australian Cricket Academy has made me a lot fitter.

"Physically it has made me more of an athlete. The coaching has made me more of a determined player. The sessions were hard work and intense."

The opening bat and spin bowler is expected to sign for Bradford League First Division side Undercliffe in the next few days having spent last season with Brighouse.

The Australian Academy has produced home-grown stars like Shane Warne, Glen McGrath and Adam Gilchrist but is also renowned for its overseas programme.

Raje, 19, who lives in Dewsbury, was sponsored for the trip by Western Union, one of the leading money transfer companies in the world.

They are a sponsor at Yorkshire County Cricket Club, and sponsors of the Western Union Cup - a competition aimed primarily at South Asian teams across Yorkshire and Lancashire.