State talent

U19 World Cup: Australia have included Vishwa Ramkumar, a leg-spinner of Indian origin, in its 16-member Men’s Under-19 squad for the multi-format tour of India taking place in September. The tour includes three 50-over matches and two four-day games, marking the start of a new Men’s U19 World Cup cycle for Australia.

Australia had an undefeated run to win the 2024 ICC Men’s Under 19 World Cup in South Africa, where they defeated India by 79 runs in the final at Benoni earlier this year. Ramkumar represents Victoria in age-group cricket and is associated with Dandenong Cricket Club.

Aidan O’Connor and Ollie Peake – members of this year’s U19 World Cup winning side, have been picked for the India tour due to them still being eligible for selection. Playing as a 17-year-old, Peake took Australia to victory in the U19 World Cup with a valuable 49 in the semi-final and followed it up by hitting an unbeaten 46 off 43 balls in the final.