ESSEX starlet Reece Topley is ready to fly the flag for England.

Both he and team-mate Ben Foakes have been picked for the upcoming under-19s international series against South Africa.

They will form part of a 14-man squad for the seven-match contest, which begins at Edgbaston on Saturday, July 16.

It completes a whirlwind few weeks for 17-year-old Topley, who made his Essex debut in April.

And he is already looking further ahead – hoping to impress against South Africa to enhance his chances of playing at next year’s under-19 World Cup in Australia.

“I was very pleased to be named in the squad and am really looking forward to it,” Topley, the son of Essex legend Don, told the Gazette.

“It will be my first taste of international cricket and it’s a good opportunity to represent my country.

“There’s a bit of disappointment because I’ll obviously be unavailable for some Essex matches.

“But this call-up has come at a very important time for me and it’s a key time in the cricket calendar.

“We’ve got the under-19 World Cup coming up next year and, if I can do well in this series, it will stand me in good stead in terms of trying to book my place on the trip to Brisbane.

“I believe I can do it and have faith in my ability – now I’ve got a chance to prove it against South Africa.”

Topley has certainly made a big impression for Essex this summer, taking 14 wickets in his first three LV= County Championship matches.

“I’ve been very pleased with the way things have gone,” he said.

“Hopefully I can keep up my form throughout the summer.”

Foakes, who has been in stunning form playing for Colchester & East Essex this season, recently played for Essex in their match against the touring Sri Lankan side.

He has also played for the county’s second team on nine occasions this summer.

Kent all-rounder Adam Ball will captain the squad, which was selected by the England Development Programme (EDP).

After Edgbaston, the other six games against South Africa will take place at Northampton (July 18), Arundel (July 21 and 23), Taunton (July 26) and Canterbury (July 28 and 30).