Folkestone’s teenage bowling sensation Hugh Bernard is targeting a place in the senior England cricket team after making his debut for the under-19s in Australia.

Bernard was selected for last Wednesday’s game against the Australians in Bunbury and despite finishing on the losing side, that taste of international cricket has left him wanting more.

The 18-year-old helped Folkestone win promotion to the Kent League Premier Division last summer and Bernard’s call-up for the tour of Western Australia is further proof of his huge potential.

He said: "Making my debut for the under-19s has been the proudest moment of my career and it’s not the only time I want to be touring overseas with an England side.

"It gives me drive, putting on that jersey and now I want more.

"The U19 World Cup is next year but even with that, I know where I want to be in five years’ time. I want to be involved in Lions tours and the England senior team.

"It’s important to have these goals and plans because it gives you something to work for."

Bernard bowled three overs against Australia, who won the game by eight wickets after bowling the tourists out for 109.

Bernard said: "Walking out with that jersey on, with the Three Lions on my chest, what a feeling!

"That’s what I train for, that’s what I put every hour, second and minute into practice and fitness and all the sweat and pain that comes with it.

"It’s more than just a shirt, it’s the story of your life and what you’ve gone through to get that shirt with your name and number on the back of it."

Read Hugh Bernard's Diary from Down Under in the Folkestone & Hythe Express.