Australia name squad for ICC Under-19 Men’s World Cup 2026

Australia will enter the 50-over tournament as defending champions, with Oliver Peake appointed captain.

The squad features a strong mix of experience and emerging talent, including three uncapped players - Naden Cooray, Nitesh Samuel, and William Taylor.

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) 
 
The squad will be led by Head Coach Tim Nielsen, supported by Luke Butterworth and Travis Dean as assistant coaches.  

Australia is placed in Group A alongside Ireland, Japan, and Sri Lanka. The team will arrive in Namibia in early January and play warm-up matches from 9–14 January.

Tim Nielsen, Head Coach Australia Men’s U19, said:

“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.”

Sonya Thompson, Cricket Australia Head of National Development, said: 
 
“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 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