Australia announce 15-man squad for the U19 World Cup; Jake Fraser-McGurk to lead the unit

The next edition of the ICC U-19 World Cup is just over a month away and the teams have started to name their respective squads for the quadrennial event. Joining the bandwagon, the 2018 U19 World Cup runner-up, Australia, have named their squad for the marquee competition to be held in the rainbow nation- South Africa.

Liam Scott, who recently made his Sheffield Shield debut, has been added in the 15-member World Cup touring party; one that will be led by Victoria’s Jake Fraser-McGurk.

The selection in the 15-man squad caps of a hugely successful couple of months for the 17-year-old, Scott. Liam Scott, who is the third-youngest Sheffield Shield player in his state teams’ history racked up two half-centuries within a space of a week for the Victorian senior team.

The squad for the World Cup was named by Cricket Australia’s Youth Selection Panel [YSP], along with State Talent Managers after the culmination of the Under-19 Male National Championships. While the 15-man squad will be coached by former Australian Test opener Chris Rogers, former fast bowler Ryan Harris will serve as his deputy.

“We’re pleased to announce a strong 15-player squad for the upcoming 2020 ICC Under-19 Cricket World Cup in South Africa. Our squad includes players of all disciplines with experience in domestic cricket environments, with some having already made promising starts to their careers at senior level.” Graham Manou, Cricket Australia National Talent & Pathway Manager said on Friday as quoted by Cricbuzz.

Manou added, “The Under-19 World Cup provides these players with an exceptional development opportunity and we look forward to seeing them represent their country with distinction. We’re looking forward to departing for South Africa in January and demonstrating the strength of our underage talent pool against international opposition.”

Australia will play their opening encounter against West Indies

Coming back to the squad, Patrick Rowe, who scored two centuries at the U-19 Championship has been named as the wicket-keeper while four rookie players- batsmen Oliver Davies, Sam Fanning and fast bowlers Connor Dully and Matthew Willans- have also been added.

Meanwhile, the 2020 U19 World Cup will take place between January 17 to February 9, and Australia’s opening fixture will be against the 2016 U19 champions West Indies in Kimberley.