Oliver Peake to Lead Australia Under-19 in 2026 World Cup Title Defence
Melbourne, 7 January 2026 – Victoria batsman Oliver Peake has been appointed captain of the Australia Under-19 team for the upcoming ICC Under-19 World Cup in Namibia and Zimbabwe, where the squad aims to defend their 2024 title.
Peake’s Rise in Cricket
Peake, a left-handed batter, emerged as a key figure in Australia’s Under-19 side during the 2024 World Cup. He contributed valuable runs in the semi-final and final, including an unbeaten 46 in the championship-clinching match against India. Since then, he has progressed rapidly, securing a first Big Bash deal and making his first-class debut for Victoria.
In domestic cricket, Peake has shown promise with a 52 on debut against Western Australia and a 92 for Australia A. His recent performances, including a composed 70 not out in a Sheffield Shield match against South Australia, have drawn attention from national selectors, positioning him as a potential middle-order Test prospect.
2026 World Cup Squad and Preparations
Australia has been grouped with Ireland, Japan and Sri Lanka for the first round of the tournament. Peake’s leadership experience, gained as the youngest member of the 2024 squad, will be crucial. The full squad includes players such as Kasey Barton, Naden Cooray, Jayden Draper, Ben Gordon, Steven Hogan, Thomas Hogan, John James, Charles Lachmund, Will Malajczuk, Nitesh Samuel, Hayden Schiller, Aryan Sharma, William Taylor and Alex Lee Young.
Key Facts
| Aspect | Details |
|---|---|
| Age | 19 |
| Role | Left-handed batsman and captain |
| 2024 World Cup Performance | Unbeaten 46 in final; valuable runs in semi-final |
| Domestic Highlights | First-class debut for Victoria; Big Bash contract |
| 2026 World Cup Group | Ireland, Japan, Sri Lanka |
Frequently Asked Questions
What is Oliver Peake’s background?
Peake is a talented young cricketer from Victoria, who represented Australia as injury cover in the 2024 Under-19 World Cup and has since advanced to first-class cricket.
Why was Peake chosen as captain?
As the youngest player in the 2024 squad, Peake demonstrated leadership qualities and has continued to impress with his batting and composure in higher-level matches.
What are Australia’s chances in the 2026 World Cup?
With a strong squad and Peake’s experience from the previous tournament, Australia is well-positioned to defend their title, though they face competitive opponents in the group stage.