Next generation Goodwin hits straps

Jayden Goodwin is set to follow in the footsteps of his father by representing WA after being named in the initial squad for the National 15 and Under SchoolSport Championships in Queensland next month.

The 14-year-old is the son of former International and West Australian State cricketer Murray Goodwin, who also doubles as his batting coach, with the pair spending many hours working on the young batsman's technique.

The squad was selected following the under-15 Talent Carnival at Guildford Grammar School and will play in the under-16 Talent Carnival as a team later this month at Murdoch University.

The 16-member group will be trimmed down to 13 players ahead of next month's tournament which runs from February 20 to 28 in Queensland.

WACA talent coordinator Job van Bunge said it had been great to see the most talented 72 under-15 players in WA in action.

"Both country and metro players competed with each other in challenging conditions at Guildford and we've seen some very strong performances throughout the carnival," he said.

"The underage talent in WA cricket is exciting and the squad that's been selected is a strong one. The future is looking bright."

Connor Smith, who is also from the South West but is now based in Perth, has also been selected.