Melbourne, Dec 11 (HS). Australia has announced its 15-member squad for the ICC Under-19 Men’s Cricket World Cup, to be held next month in Namibia and Zimbabwe. Victoria’s young left-handed batter Oliver Peake has been named captain. The 19-year-old is participating in the tournament for the second time and was part of Australia’s title-winning squad in South Africa in 2024.

The tournament will be played from January 15 to February 6, with Australia grouped alongside Ireland, Japan and Sri Lanka in the initial stage. A total of 16 teams will compete, with the top three teams from each group progressing to the Super Six stage.

Most players from Australia’s recent tour of India have been retained. Three new faces — Nitesh Samuel, Naden Kure and William Taylor — earned selection based on impressive performances in the Under-19 Men’s National Championships held in Perth. Samuel topped the tournament with 364 runs at an average of 91 and was named Player of the Tournament.

Tim Nielsen will serve as head coach, with Luke Butterworth and Travis Dean as assistant coaches. Nielsen said the squad is balanced and competitive, selected on the basis of strong performances in India and in national competitions.

Cricket Australia’s Head of National Development, Sonya Thompson, said the squad is a blend of experience and fresh energy, with the three new players adding depth.

Australia Under-19 Squad:

Oliver Peake (captain), Casey Barton, Naden Kure, Jayden Draper, Steven Hogan, Thomas Hogan, Ben Gordon, John James, Charles Lackmund, Alex Lee-Young, Will Malachczuk, Nitesh Samuel, Hayden Schiller, Aryan Sharma, William Taylor.

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Hindusthan Samachar / Jun Sarkar