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Australia squad for U19 World Cup 2026 revealed; Oliver Peake to guide title defence

Sakshi Sharma

Oliver Peake vs India (Source:AFP)Oliver Peake vs India (Source:AFP)

In a significant development, Australia have announced their squad for the upcoming ICC Under-19 Men's Cricket World Cup, naming left-hand batter Oliver Peake as captain. Peake played a key role in Australia’s World Cup victory in South Africa last year and now becomes the only returning member from that title-winning side. 

Peake to Lead as AUS unveil squad for U-19 World Cup

Oliver Peake leadership will be central as Australia aim to secure back-to-back championships and chase their fifth overall U19 World Cup title.

The squad features a blend of exciting young talent. The selectors have also introduced three newcomers, Nitesh Samuel, Naden Cooray, and William Taylor, rewarding their standout performances at this month’s Under-19 Male National Championships.

It is important to mention that the squad features two Indian-origin players - Aryan Sharma and John James, along with two Sri Lankan players -Naden Cooray and Nitesh Samuel.

Team coach Tim Nielsen expressed confidence in the balance and depth of the squad. He said the group had been chosen for their complementary skills and consistency across recent tournaments.

"We're delighted to announce a strong and well-balanced squad for the ICC Under-19 World Cup," Nielsen said. Our focus has been on selecting a group with complementary skill sets that provide the best chance of success in the tournament."

Australia have been placed in Group A, where they will face Ireland, Japan, and Sri Lanka in the opening round of the 16-team tournament. 

The competition begins on January 15 in Zimbabwe and Namibia. The top three teams from each group will progress to the Super Sixes, followed by the semi-finals and final.

With Peake as the captain and a promising group around him, Australia will head into the tournament confident of another strong showing on the world stage.

Australia U19 men's World Cup squad

Oliver Peake (c), Kasey Barton, Naden Cooray, Jayden Draper, Steven Hogan, Thomas Hogan, Ben Gordon, John James, Charles Lachmund, Alex Lee Young, Will Malajczuk, Nitesh Samuel, Hayden Schiller, Aryan Sharma, William Taylor