WORCESTERSHIRE academy player Jack Haynes has returned from a successful seven-week stint in Australian grade cricket.

The Malvern College pupil helped Sydney win the New South Wales AW Green Shield for colts cricket and scored 683 runs in 13 innings at an average of 62.09.

His knocks included 188 against Gordon and 164 versus Blacktown.

County coach Elliot Wilson feels Haynes, who will skipper the England schools under 16s on their tour of Sri Lanka, will reap the benefits of his trip.

He said: "I've caught up with Jack. He's had a long time away and missed about five weeks of school work either side of Christmas so at the moment he needs to get on top of that.

"But he was straight back into his mock exams and they seem to have gone really well for him. I'm really pleased he is managing to keep on top of things.

"He also joined the Worcestershire professionals for a week during half-term which was great.

"But the Australian experience was fantastic for him. There were a couple of really impressive individual performances from Jack and for the side he played for.

"His side won the grand final (against Northern Districts) so he was a week later getting back.

"For any of our youngsters to go away from home and get to stand on their own two feet for a short period of time is important. We touched base with his club and Jack impressed them hugely."