Talented young cricketers from Wales warm up for their maiden tour - almost 7000 miles away.

Ashes fever swept the UK this year as the curtain raising test match from the world's most famous cricket showdown was played on a Welsh wicket for the first time in the contest's 127 year history.

But for a talented team of junior cricketers from South Wales there was only one sporting clash on their minds - almost 7000 miles away from the Ashes crease at Cardiff's SWALEC stadium. The Cardiff and Vale Under 14 cricket team are destined for the cricket loving country of Malaysia this Boxing Day to play a series of matches against opponents of the same age - including the national youth side.

The team jet off with the support of England cricket captain Andrew Strauss who wrote to the team urging them to make the most of their opportunity and keep their team spirit up. "To tour with any cricket team - whether it be England or the Cardiff and Vale Under 14 cricket team - gives you the opportunity to experience new places you might not otherwise been able to see, said Strauss who is busy preparing for the 2011 Cricket World Cup hosted by India, Bangladesh and Sri Lanka.

"Spending time together as a squad - sometimes in the face of adversity - brings you closer together and those shared memories keeps you going when times are tough."

The young team helped raise the money for their flight and accommodation by organising activities ranging from bag packing to car washing and shoe shining.

A celebrity cricket match was also held and a glossy programme promoting the tour was printed and sold, backed by sponsor businesses.

Head coach Andy Brace, 47, who travels to Malaysia for his work as UK sales manager for sponsors Press Metal Berhad, said the players had an unique opportunity to learn about cricket in a different culture on the tour.

Wives & Mums (WAMS) will also be accompanying the players who are hoping to sightsee, sunbathe and go shopping after supporting their sons at the crease.But the team, which has an average batting score of 51 and includes a century, are not underestimating the competition. Team captain Matthew Edwards, 14, said: "We know this is not going to be a walk in the park - the heat is going to be a challenge but everyone is up for it."

The young team's first match will be against Kelab PJ Club at the Selengor Turf Club on the outskirts of Kuala Lumpur on December 29 and their tour will end in the seaside resort of Penang before flying home.

The young cricketers plan to update their fans back home on their progress by posting blogs online.

Three of the 14-strong team are from Cowbridge Comprehensive School in the Vale of Glamorgan.

Glan Williams, PE teacher and Master in Cricket at the school, said: Cricket is a very important part of the school calendar in the summer months with matches played across all age groups, including girls. It is very gratifying to see pupils from this school selected for this tour of a lifetime continuing to carry the name of the school to other parts of the globe. We wish the touring party great success and look forward to hearing their match reports."

Cricket is fast emerging as a school sport in the state school sector. In their latest report, the Welsh Cricket Association said 16 of its clubs were linked to 58 schools in 2008-9. More than 2,000 hours of curriculum and after school time in Wales is now also dedicated to the playing of cricket.

Dr Chris Howard, president of the National Association of Headteachers and head of Lewis Pengam School in Bargoed, Caerphilly, wished the team well. "Cricket is a wonderful way to break down barriers and forge relationships," he said.

Rod Bowen, whose son Jordan is a team member, is National Account Manager for sponsors Eteach - the UK's leading online recruitment service for schools. The company supplied the team's kit and equipment.

"Ashes fever swept through Cardiff last July and the spirit and mutual respect of the players was an excellent example to today's youth in preparing for adulthood, he said.

"Eteach has a particular interest in developing sporting excellence in young people - possibly down to the company's CEO and National Manager for Wales being former PE teachers."

Note to editors Cricket was introduced in Malaysia along with the founding of the Royal Selangor Club in 1884 by a group of British planters.On June 6 1927 Malaya made history by beating Australia by 27 runs.

For more information and pictures of the team contact Rod Bowen at rdb@eteach.com or on 07912 393 633.