Australia Announces 15-Player Roster for U19 Women’s T20 World Cup
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Melbourne, Dec 11 (NationPress) Cricket Australia officially announced a 15-player roster for the upcoming ICC U19 Women’s T20 World Cup, which is scheduled to occur in Malaysia early next year.
The squad includes 15-year-old Caoimhe Bray, who has earned her first World Cup selection after impressive displays against New Zealand and Sri Lanka this year.
Bray, the youngest player on the Australian Under-19 team during the tri-series held in Brisbane last September, scored 84 runs off 76 balls and took 4 wickets for 20 runs in a decisive 119-run victory over New Zealand at Ian Healy Oval.
Returning to the squad are Chloe Ainsworth, Maggie Clark, Lucy Hamilton, Eleanor Larosa, and Kate Pelle, all of whom participated in Australia’s previous T20 World Cup campaign in South Africa in 2023.
A total of 14 out of the 15 selected players possess experience in senior domestic competitions, having played in the Weber WBBL, WNCL, or T20 Spring Challenge.
Included in the squad is 16-year-old Tegan Williamson, who will join as an underage player and remains eligible for the 2027 tournament.
The finalization of the squad followed the Under 19 National Championships held in Perth this week.
The ICC Under-19 Women's T20 World Cup will take place in Malaysia throughout January and February, where Australia is grouped in Group D alongside Bangladesh, Scotland, and Nepal.
All group matches for Australia are set to occur at UKM YSD Oval, located on the southern outskirts of Kuala Lumpur, commencing January 18, with the Super Six stage and finals to follow.
The Australia Under 19 squad will be coached by Kristen Beams, Cricket Australia’s National Development Lead. A captain will be designated prior to the World Cup.
According to Sonya Thompson, Cricket Australia’s Head of National Development:
“It’s been wonderful to witness the talent showcased during this year’s Under 19 Female National Championships. We have observed some remarkable individual performances, and I would like to extend my congratulations to NSW Metro for their victory.
“We are enthusiastic about the talent level within the World Cup squad, which includes numerous players with experience in senior domestic cricket.
“The Under-19 World Cup represents an incredible developmental opportunity for players, and we eagerly anticipate watching the team in Malaysia.
“The National Youth Selection Panel collaborated closely with State Talent Managers to finalize the World Cup squad, considering performances across various competitions, including the T20 Spring Challenge, WNCL, Weber WBBL, International U19 series, and the National Championships.
“Selection decisions were undoubtedly challenging, but we will continue to support and track the progress of all players in our development pathways.”
Australia's squad for the Under 19 T20 World Cup includes:
Chloe Ainsworth, Lily Bassingthwaighte, Caoimhe Bray, Ella Briscoe, Maggie Clark, Hasrat Gill, Lucy Hamilton, Amy Hunter, Sara Kennedy, Eleanor Larosa, Grace Lyons, Ines McKeon, Juliette Morton, Kate Pelle, Tegan Williamson.
