The teenager got word the has been selected as one of 14 players to represent Japan in the upcoming under-19 Cricket World Cup East Asia-Pacific Qualifier.

Speaking to The Courier after receiving the news, the 16-year-old could barley keep the smile from his face.

"It was very joyous, I couldn't believe it," he said.

The Japanese born player appeared on selectors radars after his father noticed online that the Japan Cricket Association was recruiting players.

After firing off an email to register his son's interest, Kento soon found himself on a plane to Tokyo to tryout for the national team.

"The timing was perfect because Japan was looking for people for the World Cup," recalls Kento's father Kelvin Dobell.

"The coaches caught up with him in Melbourne over Christmas and checked him out then asked him to come to Japan for trials."

Kento didn't disappoint. After impressing selectors in a practice match, the teenage pace-man waited anxiously for the team to be announced.

Despite the uncertainly, Kento had reason to be optimistic as coaches praised his ability.

"The coach said I've got good basic technique bowling wise, as well as a good batting and running action," he said.

The cricketer will now pack his bags for japan again later this month for the start of the qualifying rounds.

The 14-man squad will play a series of matches against four different countries, with the winner qualifying directly for the under-19 Cricket World Cup in 2020.

The 16-year-old believes Japan will be firmly in the hunt for contention.

"We've got a very good bowling team," he said.

"We need a few more batters but I feel like if we can bowl really well we've got a chance at keeping the runs down."

Born in Japan to a Japanese mother and Australian father, Kento first began his cricket career at the age of 10.

Now in his sixth season with Wendouree, Kento said playing cricket at the top level would be a dream come true.

"In the last year or so I've really been narrowing in on my cricket and concentrating to take it as far as I can," he said.

Although he'd love to one day play for Australia, he said it's a privilege to represent Japan and compete in the qualifiers of such a big event.

The squad will start their campaign in Sano in Japan on Sunday June 2 against Samoa before finishing up on Saturday June 8 against Papua New Guinea.