3 Indian-origin cricketers named in Australia's 15-member U19 squad against India

Three Indian-origin boys from Australia recently made history after being included in the nation's Under-19 squad for a highly anticipated home series against India. 

Aryan Sharma from Victoria, as well as Yash Deshmukh and John James from New South Wales were three out of the 15-member team chosen for the five-match tour from September 21 to October 10 this year, featuring three day-night 50-over matches and two four-day fixtures in Brisbane and Mackay, as per a press release from Cricket Australia.

John, a first-year sports science student at Macquarie University, is famed for his all-round performances, including 94 against Victoria in the Under-17 category and 4/27 against Queensland. He belongs to the Northern Districts Cricket Club.

John, who admires Indian player Yashasvi Jaiswal, hopes to play in the IPL one day, and to earn a spot in the U-19 team with his performances, inspired by his favourite Australian player Cameron Green, a Manorama Online report said.

Aryan, a top-brass batsman from the Carlton Cricket Club, and Yash, a pace bowler from the Fairfield Liverpool Cricket Club, also show a lot of promise. 

This multi-format series is part of the cricket board's long-term player development strategy, offering up-and-coming players a chance to gain international experience in white-ball and red-ball formats.

Indeed, this series has been touted as a stepping stone for Australia's performance in the ICC U19 Men’s World Cup, to be hosted in Zimbabwe and Namibia in January 2026.

This is also the first assignment for new head coach Tim Nielsen, who previously led the Australian senior men’s team from 2007 to 2011.

"His extensive international experience and leadership will be instrumental in guiding and inspiring Australia's next generation of cricketers," said Sonya Thompson, Cricket Australia's Head of National Development, in the press release.

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