Peake to lead as Australia unveil Under 19 World Cup squad
The Aussies will be aiming for their fifth title when the Under 19 World Cup commences next month.
Reigning champions Australia have become the latest side to name their squad for the upcoming ICC Under-19 Men's Cricket World Cup.
Left-hand batter Oliver Peake will captain the Aussies during the tournament after he played an integral role in their title success in South Africa in 2024.
Best Moments | U19 CWC 2024
The very best moments from the ICC U19 Men's Cricket World Cup 2024
Peake amassed 120 runs from four innings at the tournament - including an unbeaten 46 not out in the final against India - after being called up as an injury replacement player during the early stages of the event.
The 19-year-old also featured in the Prime Minister's XI against England in Canberra last month where he scored an excellent half-century against many of the tourists' Ashes squad and will be expected to lead from the front during the U19 World Cup in Zimbabwe and Namibia that commences on January 15.
India v Australia | Match Highlights | U19 CWC 2024
Australia defeated India by 79 runs to lift the ICC U19 Men's Cricket World Cup 2024.
Peake is the only member of Australia's squad that won the Under 19 World Cup in South Africa last year, with all-rounder Will Malajczuk, fellow batter Nitesh Samuel and pace bowler William Taylor also likely to play a major role in the Aussies' title defence.
The Australia team will be coached by Tim Nielsen and he believes the side is well balanced to make a bid for back-to-back titles.
"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.
"The players named have impressed with their performances during the U19 series against India in September and at the recent National U19 Championships 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."
Behind the scenes of Australia's World Cup triumph | U19 CWC 2024
Australia are drawn in Group C at the Under 19 World Cup and will take on Ireland, Japan and Sri Lanka during the opening round of the event.
Australia 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
