GEELONG batsman Meyrick Buchanan has moved a step closer to representing Australia at this year's under-19 World Cup.

The 18-year-old will spend the winter honing his skills at Cricket Australia's Centre of Excellence in Brisbane after being named among a squad of 20 players to receive AIS scholarships for the program.

The group contains a mix of players in contention for the under-19 World Cup and July's tour of England by an Australia 'A' squad.

Selectors have also chosen fellow Cats batsman Aaron Finch to attend this year's program. The Victorian No.3 and Melbourne Renegades opener is well and truly in the mix to be part of Australia's squad for the Twenty20 World Cup later this year.

Buchanan is currently playing with Australia at the under-19 Quad Series tournament up in Townsville.

The Aussies take on New Zealand in a semi-final tomorrow.

In three matches he's made 84 runs including a run-a-ball half-century against India.

The program will be overseen by CEO head coach Troy Cooley and Cricket Australia's talent manager Greg Chappell.