NSW six bound for 2024 Men’s U19 World Cup

The Youth Selection Panel has named Charlie Anderson, Ryan Hicks, Sam Konstas, Rafael MacMillan, Harjas Singh, and Tom Straker following the conclusion of the 2023 Under 19 Male National Championships in Albury, where all were instrumental in helping NSW Metropolitan successfully defend the title, securing a seven-wicket victory over Queensland in the final (DLS Method). 

Sam Konstas was named Player of the Final for his composed, match-winning knock of 63 (not out).  

Cameron Frendo, who also played a vital role in NSW Metropolitan’s shield retention, has been listed as a non-travelling reserve. 

The Australian team will be coached by Cricket NSW Head Development Coach Anthony Clark, who last week led the NSW Metropolitan side to the National Championships title defence.  

Each of the six NSW cricketers in the travelling squad have donned the green and gold before, having previously enjoyed success against an England U19 outfit in a home and away bilateral series.  

January's World Cup will be held in South Africa after the ICC Board confirmed Sri Lanka would be replaced as hosts last month. 

The upcoming World Cup is the 15th edition of the Under 19 men's event and will have a revised tournament format, which includes a new Super Six stage after the Group stage to determine the semi-finalists. 

Australia will face Sri Lanka, Zimbabwe and Namibia in the group stage with the ICC set to announce updated fixture dates and times in the coming days. 

Sonya Thompson, Cricket Australia’s Head of National Development, said: 

“It’s been exciting to see the amount of talent on display at this year’s Under 19 Male National Championships. We’ve seen some fantastic individual performances and I’d like to congratulate NSW Metro on their win. 

“The upcoming Under 19 World Cup provides players with an excellent development opportunity, and we look forward to watching this squad perform on the world stage. 

“The National Youth Selection Panel worked closely with State Talent Managers to select the World Cup Squad. Consideration is given to performances across a variety of competitions. Many of those in the World Cup squad also had development opportunities during tours to Sri Lanka and England this year. 

“Inevitably, there were difficult selection decisions, but we will continue to support and monitor the development of all players in our pathway systems.” 

Australia Under 19 World Cup Squad 

Lachlan Aitken (QLD - Gold Coast District Cricket Club) 
Charlie Anderson (NSW - Northern District Cricket Club) 
Harkirat Bajwa (VIC - Melbourne Cricket Club) 
Mahli Beardman (WA - Melville Cricket Club) 
Tom Campbell (QLD - Western Suburbs District Cricket Club) 
Harry Dixon (VIC - St Kilda Cricket Club) 
Ryan Hicks (NSW - Mosman Cricket Club) 
Sam Konstas (NSW - Sutherland Cricket Club) 
Rafael MacMillan (NSW - St George District Cricket Club) 
Aidan O’Connor (TAS - Greater Northern Raiders) 
Harjas Singh (NSW - Western Suburbs Cricket Club) 
Tom Straker (NSW - Sutherland District Cricket Club) 
Callum Vidler (QLD - Valley District Cricket Club) 
Corey Wasley (WA - Rockingham-Mandurah Cricket Club) 
Hugh Weibgen (QLD - Valley District Cricket Club)  

Non-travelling reserve players

Xander Buxton (VIC - Melbourne Cricket Club) 
Cameron Frendo (NSW - Fairfield Liverpool Cricket Club) 
Ollie Peake (VIC - Geelong Cricket Club) 
Cody Reynolds (QLD - Gold Coast District Cricket Club)