Australia has confirmed its 15-player squad for the ICC Under-19 Men’s Cricket World Cup in 2026, a tournament that will take the team through Namibia and Zimbabwe from mid-January to early February. The side arrives as defending champions, carrying the usual weight of expectation along with a captain in Oliver Peake who has already stood out in national and pathway competitions.
Selectors have chosen a blend of familiar performers and emerging prospects. Three uncapped players, Naden Cooray, Nitesh Samuel and William Taylor, have been added to a group that has already been tested against quality opposition in recent months. Their inclusion hints at a willingness to trust form and potential rather than leaning solely on experience.
The squad spans clubs and states across the country, reflecting the breadth of talent coming through district and grade systems. Beyond Peake, the group includes Kasey Barton, Jayden Draper, Ben Gordon, Steven Hogan, Thomas Hogan, John James, Charles Lachmund, Will Malajczuk, Hayden Schiller, Aryan Sharma and Alex Lee Young.
Head Coach Tim Nielsen said confidence in the group was built on recent performances and the balance of roles within the squad. “We’re delighted to announce a strong and well-balanced squad for the ICC Under-19 World Cup. Our focus has been on selecting a group with complementary skill sets that provide the best chance of success in tournament. The players named have impressed with their performances during the U19 series against India in September and at the recent National U19 Championship in Perth. It’s an exciting group, some have already experienced senior training environments, while others are progressing rapidly through our pathway. The World Cup is a fantastic opportunity for these young cricketers to showcase their talent and test themselves against the best in the world.”
Cricket Australia’s Head of National Development, Sonya Thompson, said the squad had the right mix to carry Australia through a demanding schedule. “The squad combines experience with fresh energy, including three new faces who will bring added depth and enthusiasm. This is a fantastic opportunity for these emerging players to showcase their skills on the global stage. Our players will be supported by an exceptional team of staff, ensuring they have every chance to perform and grow throughout the tournament.”
Australia will play group matches against Ireland, Japan and Sri Lanka, beginning on 16 January in Windhoek. Warm-up games in Namibia earlier that month will help settle combinations before the World Cup opens. The tournament moves across two countries during the Super Six stage and into the knockouts, with the final set for 6 February at Harare Sports Club.
The squad will travel with an experienced coaching and support team. Nielsen will be joined by assistant coaches Luke Butterworth and Travis Dean, providing continuity for players who have come through the recent national pathway programmes.
The focus now shifts to preparation in early January, where conditions, opposition analysis and internal competition will shape Australia’s approach. The broader cricket public will look for signs of how the next generation handles a world tournament so soon after the last group brought the trophy home. The coming weeks should give a clearer sense of whether this squad can follow that path.
Australia Men’s U19 Squad
- Oliver Peake © (Geelong District CC/VIC)
- Kasey Barton (Mosman CC/NSW)
- Naden Cooray (Parramatta CC/NSW)
- Jayden Draper (Valley District CC/QLD)
- Ben Gordon (Sunshine Coast Scorchers CC/QLD)
- Steven Hogan (Sandgate-Redcliffe District CC/QLD)
- Thomas Hogan (Ginninderra CC/ACT)
- John James (Parramatta CC/NSW)
- Charles Lachmund (Ipswich Hornets CC/QLD)
- Will Malajczuk (Subiaco Floreat CC/WA)
- Nitesh Samuel (Parramatta CC/NSW)
- Hayden Schiller (Northern Jets District CC/SA)
- Aryan Sharma (Carlton CC/VIC)
- William Taylor (St George CC/NSW) Alex Lee Young (Randwick Petersham CC/NSW)
Australia fixtures in ICC U19 World Cup 2026
- 16 January: Australia v Ireland, Namibia Cricket Ground, Windhoek
- 20 January: Australia v Japan, Namibia Cricket Ground, Windhoek
- 23 January: Sri Lanka v Australia, Namibia Cricket Ground, Windhoek
- 24 January: A4 v D4, HP Oval, Windhoek
- 25 January: Super Six A1 v D3, Namibia Cricket Ground, Windhoek
- 25 January: Super Six D2 v A3, HP Oval, Windhoek
- 26 January: Super Six D1 v A2, Namibia Cricket Ground, Windhoek
- 28 January: Super Six, A1 v D2, Harare Sports Club, Harare
- 29 January: Super Six D3 v A2, Queens Sports Club, Bulawayo
- 30 January: Super Six D1 v A3, Harare Sports Club, Harare
- 03 February: First semi-final, Queens Sports Club, Bulawayo
- 04 February: Second semi-final, Harare Sports Club, Harare
- 06 February: Final, Harare Sports Club, Harare
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