Cricket Australia (CA) has revealed the 15-player squad for the upcoming men’s U19 series against India, which will feature three 50-over matches and two four-day matches. The series will take place in Brisbane and Mackay from 21 September to 10 October 2025.
The squad was selected through a collaboration between the youth selection panel and state talent managers, ensuring a mix of experience and potential. Following the series, players will return to their home states and territories to continue their preparations for the domestic season.
Australia Men’s U19 Squad:
- Simon Budge (WA/Melville CC)
- Alex Turner (VIC/Prahran CC)
- Steve Hogan (QLD/Sandgate-Redcliffe District CC)
- Will Malajczuk (WA/Subiaco Floreat CC)
- Yash Deshmukh (NSW/Fairfield Liverpool CC)
- Tom Hogan (ACT/Ginninderra CC)
- Aryan Sharma (VIC/Carlton CC)
- John James (NSW/Northern Districts CC)
- Hayden Schiller (SA/Northern Districts CC)
- Charles Lachmund (QLD/Western Districts CC)
- Ben Gordon (QLD/Sunshine Coast Scorchers)
- Will Byrom (NSW/Northern Districts CC)
- Kasey Barton (NSW/Sutherland CC)
- Alex Lee Young (NSW/Mosman CC)
- Jayden Draper (QLD/Valley District Cricket Club).
Reserves: Zed Hollick (WA/Scarborough CC)
- Tom Paddington (VIC/St Kilda CC)
- Julian Osborne (NSW/Manly Warringah CC).
This series is an integral part of Cricket Australia’s player development strategy, designed to offer young players the opportunity to compete at an international level across both white-ball and red-ball formats. It serves as part of the lead-up to the 2026 ICC U19 World Cup, which will be hosted in Zimbabwe and Namibia.
The squad’s journey thus far has included a training camp at the National Cricket Centre in Brisbane, an Australian U19 tour to India, and a specialised spin/batting training camp. These efforts are all geared towards the preparation for the global tournament, with the National Under-19 male championships set for December 2025, after which the final squad for the World Cup will be selected.
This series will mark the first assignment for Tim Nielsen as the head coach of the national U19 squad. Nielsen, a former Australian coach, brings extensive international experience that will be key in shaping the development of the country’s next generation of cricketers.
Sonya Thompson, Cricket Australia’s Head of National Development, expressed excitement about the upcoming tour. “We’re excited to continue our preparation for the ongoing ICC U19 World Cup cycle, with an exciting squad of emerging players. This series against India provides a valuable opportunity for our young players to experience international cricket in both white-ball and red-ball formats, and to test themselves against a high-quality opponent.”
Thompson also highlighted the significance of the series in terms of player development: “The multi-format tour is designed to challenge players to adapt and grow, while also giving selectors and coaches meaningful insights ahead of the National U19 Championships in December. We’re also thrilled to welcome Tim Nielsen as Head Coach of the National U19 squad. His extensive international experience and leadership will be instrumental in guiding and inspiring Australia’s next generation of cricketers.”
The squad’s performance over the course of the tour will provide crucial insights for the selectors as they approach the final stages of the World Cup preparation.
Schedule:
- 21 September: 1st 50-over match, Ian Healy Oval, Brisbane, 2:30pm AEST (D/N)
- 24 September: 2nd 50-over match, Ian Healy Oval, Brisbane, 2:30pm AEST (D/N)
- 26 September: 3rd 50-over match, Ian Healy Oval, Brisbane, 2:30pm AEST (D/N)
- 30 September – 3 October: 1st Four-day match, Ian Healy Oval, Brisbane, 10am AEST
- 7-10 October: 2nd Four-day match, Great Barrier Reef Arena, Mackay, 11am AEDT
Support independent community journalism. Support The Indian Sun.
Follow The Indian Sun on X | Instagram | Facebook
Support Independent Community Journalism
Dear Reader,The Indian Sun exists for one reason: to tell stories that might otherwise go unheard.
We report on local councils, state politics, small businesses and cultural festivals. We focus on the Indian diaspora and the wider multicultural community with care, balance and accountability. We publish in print and online, send regular newsletters and produce video content. We also run media training programs to help community organisations share their own stories.
We operate independently.
Community journalism does not have the backing of large media corporations. Advertising revenue fluctuates. Platform algorithms change. Costs continue to rise. Yet the need for credible, grounded reporting in a multicultural Australia has never been greater.
When you support The Indian Sun, you support:
• Independent reporting on issues affecting migrant communities
• Coverage of local and state decisions that shape daily life
• A platform for small businesses and community groups
• Media training that builds skills within the community
• Journalism accountable to readers
We cannot cover everything, but we work to cover what matters.
If you value thoughtful reporting that reflects Australia’s diversity, we invite you to contribute. Every donation helps us maintain the quality and consistency of our work.
Please consider making a contribution today.
Thank you for your support.
The Indian Sun Team
