Two Indian-Origin Cricketers Aryan Sharma and Yash Deshmukh Named in Australia U19 Squad

Australia

Two Indian-Origin Cricketers Aryan Sharma and Yash Deshmukh Named in Australia U19 Squad: Cricket Australia (CA) has announced a 15-player squad for the men’s U19 series against India, featuring three 50-over matches and two four-day matches scheduled in Brisbane and Mackay from September 21 to October 10.

The announcement brought pride to the Indian diaspora in Australia as two Indian-origin budding cricketers, Aryan Sharma from Victoria and Yash Deshmukh from New South Wales, earned a place in the prestigious U19 men’s squad. Their selection reflects the growing contribution of multicultural talent to Australian cricket.

Building Australia’s Next Generation

The squad was selected by the youth selection panel in collaboration with state talent managers. After the series, players will return to their states and territories to continue preparing for the domestic season. This series marks the first assignment for former Australian coach Tim Nielsen as head coach of the U19 squad, bringing invaluable international experience to guide the nation’s next generation of stars.

Preparing for the U19 World Cup

The matches form part of Cricket Australia’s long-term development strategy ahead of the ICC U19 World Cup 2026 in Zimbabwe and Namibia. The two-year cycle has included a high-performance camp at the National Cricket Centre in Brisbane, an earlier tour to India, and a specialised spin and batting training camp in India.

Sonya Thompson, CA’s Head of National Development, expressed confidence in the squad, stating:
“This series against India offers a valuable opportunity for our young players to test themselves in both white-ball and red-ball formats against a high-quality opponent.”

Full Squad List

Simon Budge (WA/Melville CC), Alex Turner (VIC/Prahran CC), Steve Hogan (QLD/Sandgate-Redcliffe District CC), Will Malajczuk (WA/Subiaco Floreat CC), Yash Deshmukh (NSW/Fairfield Liverpool CC), Tom Hogan (ACT/Ginninderra CC), Aryan Sharma (VIC/Carlton CC), John James (NSW/Northern Districts CC), Hayden Schiller (SA/Northern Districts CC), Charles Lachmund (QLD/Western Districts CC), Ben Gordon (QLD/Sunshine Coast Scorchers), Will Byrom (NSW/Northern Districts CC), Kasey Barton (NSW/Sutherland CC), Alex Lee Young (NSW/Mosman CC), Jayden Draper (QLD/Valley District Cricket Club).

Match Schedule

• September 21: 1st 50-over match, Ian Healy Oval, Brisbane, 2:30pm AEST (D/N)
• September 24: 2nd 50-over match, Ian Healy Oval, Brisbane, 2:30pm AEST (D/N)
• September 26: 3rd 50-over match, Ian Healy Oval, Brisbane, 2:30pm AEST (D/N)
• September 30–October 3: 1st Four-day match, Ian Healy Oval, Brisbane, 10am AEST
• October 7–10: 2nd Four-day match, Great Barrier Reef Arena, Mackay, 11am AEDT

This tour not only strengthens Australia’s preparation for the World Cup but also deepens the cricketing bond between Australia and India, two of the sport’s strongest nations.