Six NSW players selected for Men's U19 World Cup

The Youth Selection Panel has named Kasey Barton, Naden Cooray, John James, Nitesh Samuel, William Taylor and Alex Lee Young for the event to be held in Namibia and Zimbabwe from 15 January to 6 February, where Australia enter as defending champions.

The squad closely resembles the group that took on an Indian under-19 side in three youth ODIs and two youth Tests in September-October. 

Samuel, Cooray and Taylor are all newcomers to the squad, having been rewarded with selection for their impressive performance at this month's Under-19 Male National Championships, are also familiar with each other with all three being NSW Metro representatives.

The side will be coached by Tim Nielsen, who will be assisted by Luke Butterworth and Travis Dean.

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.

The top three teams from each of the four groups will progress to the Super Sixes stage, which will be followed by the semi-finals and final.

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 Samuels (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)

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