Canberra: Oliver Peake, the left-handed batsman who played a pivotal role in Australia’s 2024 Under-19 World Cup triumph in South Africa, has been appointed captain of the Australian squad for the upcoming ICC Under-19 Men’s Cricket World Cup. The tournament will take place in Zimbabwe and Namibia, starting on 15 January 2026.
Peake, 19, made a significant impact last year despite joining the 2024 squad as an injury replacement, scoring 120 runs in four innings and finishing with an unbeaten 46 in the final against India. He also impressed recently with a half-century for the Prime Minister’s XI against England in Canberra.
The squad includes key players such as all-rounder Will Malajczuk, batsman Nitesh Samuel, and fast bowler William Taylor. Peake is the only member from last year’s championship-winning team.
Coach Tim Nielsen praised the balance of the squad and their readiness to compete at the highest level. “Our goal was to select players with complementary skills who can challenge for back-to-back titles,” Nielsen said.
Australia has been placed in Group C and will face Ireland, Japan, and Sri Lanka in the first round. The full squad comprises 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, and William Taylor.
