
Cricket Australia Reveals Squad for ICC U19 Men’s World Cup in South Africa
Cricket Australia (CA) has officially announced the 15-player squad set to represent the country in the upcoming ICC U19 Men’s World Cup scheduled to take place in South Africa next month. Notably, the captain of the team is yet to be revealed.
The Youth Selection Panel (YSP) meticulously selected the squad after the conclusion of the 2023 Under 19 Male National Championships in Albury last week. The squad boasts a strong contingent of players who showcased their skills in this year’s dual U19 Ashes series.
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Anthony Clark will serve as the coach for the Australian squad, having previously led the Under 19 team in recent tours of England and Sri Lanka.
Standout performances during the Under 19 National Championships earned Sam Konstas a spot in the squad, securing the title for NSW Metro with an impressive unbeaten 63 against Queensland in the final. Aiden O’Connor also earned his place through consistent performances, while Harry Dixon, a centurion in Test and ODI at U19 level, joins the team after an outstanding run of 222 runs in the championships.
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Despite a back injury ruling him out of the U19 National Championships, allrounder Hugh Weibgen, who led the side in England earlier this year, has been selected.
Sonya Thompson, Cricket Australia’s Head of National Development, expressed excitement about the talent showcased at this year’s Under 19 Male National Championships. She emphasized the upcoming World Cup as an excellent development opportunity for the players.
The World Cup squad selection involved close collaboration between the National Youth Selection Panel and State Talent Managers, considering performances across various competitions and development opportunities during tours to Sri Lanka and England this year. Thompson acknowledged the difficulty in making selections but affirmed continued support for the development of all players in the pathway systems.
The ICC U19 Men’s World Cup in South Africa will kick off in January, featuring a revised tournament format, including a new Super Six stage after the Group stage to determine the semifinalists. The 16 participating teams, divided into four groups of four, will play 41 matches, with the final scheduled for February.
Australia’s group-stage opponents include Sri Lanka, Zimbabwe, and Namibia. The ICC is set to announce updated fixture dates and times in the coming days.
–IANS