Kent and St Lawrence & Highland Court off-spinner Charlie Hemphrey has been granted a pioneer role in the first group of a new £1 million scheme to develop the best cricketing talent across the UK.

The scheme, known as the English and Wales Cricket Board Scholarship programme and set to run for four years, will see 19-year-old Hemphrey spend six months in Brisbane, Australia developing his skills in readiness for the 2009 season.

ECB managing director - Cricket Partnerships Mike Gatting said: "This is an excellent initiative. Those players going to Australia to play grade cricket and receive coaching within Australian Academies will find it hugely beneficial."