Three Sussex cricketers will jet off for Australia on Christmas Day after being chosen for the England under-19 women's team.

Batsman Rosalie Birch, who lives in Lewes, medium-pacer Alexia Walker, from Bexhill, and all-rounder Kate Oakenfold, from Isfield, are part of a squad of only 13 for the three-week tour.

England under-19s will face local and state sides before taking on the Aussies in two one-day internationals at Bowral, New South Wales, the birthplace of Sir Donald Bradman.

The tour party will stay in a Heathrow hotel overnight on Christmas Eve before flying at midday on Christmas Day.

Birch, 19, a member of the Sussex Cricket Academy who plays for Brighton & Hove, said: "I'm making my whole family move Christmas with turkey and presents on Christmas Eve!

"It will be a bit different, but I'll be getting an extra long Christmas Day because we're going via America and we're hoping to visit Hollywood.

"My family and friends are very pleased for me and the Sussex Academy have been very supportive, encouraging me to really go for it.

"Keith Greenfield, my coach, has helped turn me into a different player from the one that started at the Sussex Academy last year."

Former Lewes Priory and Varndean student Birch, who played for England under-17s in a 2-1 series win against Holland at Oundle School, said: "This is the biggest tour any of England's junior sides have had in recent years.

"My goals are to average 30-40 with the bat and bowl a bit, although I probably won't bowl in the one-day internationals.

"I'm assuming Australia are going to be pretty good competitors, but we've got a strong side.

"I don't think there's any extra pressure because of the way the Ashes series has gone, but I think it will be quite nice to show that we can beat them.

"It's very exciting. I feel good about my game and just want to go out there and do well.

"I hope to play for the full England team eventually, be a substantial women's cricketer and make a name for myself in the cricketing world."