Two boys with Indian roots, Aryan Sharma and Yash Deshmukh, will be in the Australia U19 squad for the upcoming series against India from 21 September to 10 October. The series between India U19 and Australia U19 teams will feature three 50-over matches and two four-day matches in Brisbane and Mackay.
While Aryan Sharma hails from the state of Victoria, Yash Deshmukh is from New South Wales.
This series is part of Cricket Australia’s long-term player development strategy, offering young players the chance to gain international experience in white-ball and red-ball formats. It forms part of the preparation for a two-year-long ICC U19 World Cup cycle, with the tournament scheduled for January 2026 in Zimbabwe and Namibia. The cycle has so far included a camp at the National Cricket Centre in Brisbane, AUS U19 tour to India, and a specialised spin/batting training camp in India.
The matches mark the first appointment for former Australian coach Tim Nielsen as head coach of the national U19 squad, bringing a wealth of experience at international level, which will be invaluable in guiding Australia’s next generation of cricketers.
The National Under-19 male championships will be held in December, after which the final squad for the ICC U19 Men’s World Cup 2026 will be selected.
Cricket Australia said that the Australia U19 squad was chosen by the youth selection panel in collaboration with state talent managers. Following the series, players will return to their states and territories to continue preparations for the upcoming season.
Australia Men’s U19 Squad for India series
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)
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India U19 vs Australia U19 schedule
September 21: 1st 50-over match, Ian Healy Oval, Brisbane, 2:30pm AEST (D/N)
September 24: 2nd 50-over match I, Ian Healy Oval, Brisbane, 2:30pm AEST (D/N)
September 26: 3rd 50-over match, Ian Healy Oval, Brisbane, 2:30pm AEST (D/N)
September 30-October 3: 1st Four-day match, Ian Healy Oval, Brisbane, 10am AEST
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October 7-10: 2nd Four-day match, Great Barrier Reef Arena, Mackay, 11am AEDT
