GOOD news is coming thick and fast for Kent’s Cricket Academy wicketkeeper Paul Dixey.

Fresh from signing a three-year development contract with Kent, the 18-year-old has been selected for England Under-19s this summer.Dixey, who has made two first-class appearances for the county against Bangladesh A last season and then at Fenner’s in May when Kent took on Cambridge University, has been selected for young England’s Test and one-day squads to take on India from mid-July.

His call up further extends Kent's remarkable heritage of supplying young wicketkeepers to the England cause.

Dixey, who lives at Ickham, near Canterbury, said: "All the good things are coming at once at the moment but obviously I’m enjoying things.

"I feel like I’m gloving it well at the moment, but I haven’t played that much competitive cricket. There’s plenty of work to be done in the next couple of weeks or so.

"I can’t wait for the opportunity to get stuck in and really get involved in these games with India."

Dixey's England Under-19 Test debut will, fitness and selection permitting, be at Kent’s St Lawrence ground from July 26.

He added: "It’s great that the first Test is on home soil. It should be a great occasion and one I’m really looking forward to.

"I know India are a decent side, so it’s bound to be tough, competitive and enjoyable cricket."