Queensland’s Lucy Hamilton is set to take centre stage as the captain of the Australian squad for the ICC Under 19 Women’s World Cup in Malaysia next year. The 17-year-old all-rounder has already carved a name for herself in Australian cricket, and now she’ll be leading a team brimming with promising talent as they set their sights on the tournament starting 18 January.
Hamilton’s rapid rise in the cricketing world has been nothing short of remarkable. Making her debut for Queensland Fire in the WNCL at just 15, she quickly became one of the youngest players in the competition’s history. Her entry into the Weber WBBL followed soon after, where she made headlines last November by claiming a record-breaking five-wicket haul against the Melbourne Stars. At just 16, she became the youngest cricketer in WBBL history to achieve such a feat, finishing with an eye-popping 5-8 from her four overs.
This won’t be Hamilton’s first appearance on the global stage, as she was part of Australia’s squad for the 2023 Under 19 World Cup in South Africa. Her experience at that level, combined with her consistent domestic performances, made her an obvious choice to lead the team. Hamilton acknowledges the weight of the responsibility but is eager to embrace the challenge. She expressed her gratitude for the role and praised the strength of leadership within the squad, highlighting the collective support that will guide them through the tournament.
Joining Hamilton in the leadership ranks is Victorian vice-captain Hasrat Gill. Gill has been making waves in underage cricket, with her strong showing in the inaugural T20 Spring Challenge earlier this season cementing her place as one of the brightest prospects in the country. Gill’s role as vice-captain is expected to complement Hamilton’s leadership, ensuring a balanced approach to steering the team through what promises to be an intense competition.
Australia’s head coach Kristen Beams has high hopes for the squad and was full of praise for Hamilton’s appointment. Beams highlighted Hamilton’s ability to lead on and off the field, noting her strong character and proven performances in high-pressure situations. While Hamilton will wear the captain’s armband, Beams emphasised the importance of fostering leadership across the squad, suggesting that the tournament will serve as a platform for all players to develop crucial skills beyond cricket.
The 17-day tournament, to be broadcast live on Prime Video, will see Australia compete in Group B alongside Scotland, Bangladesh, and Nepal. With all their group matches set to be held at the YSD-UKM Cricket Oval in Bangi, the team is poised to make a strong start against Scotland on 18 January. Subsequent matches against Bangladesh and Nepal on 20 and 22 January, respectively, will determine their progression in the competition.
Australia’s squad is a mix of youth and experience, with players representing various states and clubs from across the country. From Chloe Ainsworth of Western Australia to Tegan Williamson of Wanneroo District Cricket Club, each team member brings a unique skill set to the table. Names like Ella Briscoe, Ines McKeon, and Juliette Morton add depth to the squad, while the inclusion of Sara Kennedy and Maggie Clark provides a solid foundation in both batting and bowling departments.
This World Cup also serves as a significant opportunity for these young athletes to showcase their talent on a global platform. For many, this will be their first taste of international cricket, a chance to measure themselves against the best in their age group. Beyond the thrill of competition, the experience is expected to help shape their development as cricketers and individuals.
Hamilton’s story, in particular, resonates deeply within the cricketing community. Her rise from a teenage prodigy to a leader of Australia’s future stars underscores the pathways available to young talent in the country. Representing Queensland’s Sunshine Coast Cricket Club, Hamilton’s journey has been one of hard work, perseverance, and an innate ability to seize opportunities.
The leadership group, supported by coaches and staff, is well aware of the challenges that await in Malaysia. With the tournament being held in subcontinental conditions, adaptability will be key. The team’s preparation will include acclimatisation to the weather and pitches, ensuring they are ready to perform at their peak when the games begin. Coach Kristen Beams has been instrumental in crafting a strategy that balances individual flair with team cohesion, a hallmark of successful Australian cricket teams.
The tournament itself is expected to be fiercely contested. As the defending champions, England will enter the fray with confidence, while other teams like India, South Africa, and New Zealand will also be eyeing the coveted trophy. For Australia, the focus remains on executing their game plan and taking one match at a time. The group-stage fixtures offer a chance to build momentum, and the leadership duo of Hamilton and Gill will be crucial in maintaining focus and composure.
For cricket enthusiasts, the ICC Under 19 Women’s World Cup is a window into the future of the sport, a chance to witness the players who will soon dominate the international stage. For Australia, this means not only aspiring to win but also nurturing the next generation of stars who will carry the nation’s cricketing legacy forward.
As the countdown to 18 January begins, the spotlight will firmly be on Hamilton and her team. The blend of skill, determination, and a shared vision for success makes this Australian squad one to watch. While the road to the title will undoubtedly be challenging, the team’s preparation, coupled with its depth of talent, provides plenty of reasons for optimism.
Hamilton’s journey to this point reflects the broader narrative of cricket in Australia—a sport that thrives on nurturing young talent and providing opportunities to shine. With Malaysia as the backdrop, the stage is set for a tournament that promises to be a defining chapter in the careers of these young cricketers.
For media access to players and coaches during the tournament, arrangements can be made through Cricket Australia’s media contact, Richard Hinds. As anticipation builds, the nation will be watching closely, cheering on its future stars as they take their first steps towards cricketing greatness.
Australia Under 19 T20 World Cup Squad
- Lucy Hamilton (QLD/Sunshine Coast CC) – captain
- Chloe Ainsworth (WA/Melville District CC)
- Lily Bassingthwaighte (QLD/Western Suburbs District CC)
- Caoimhe Bray (NSW/Greater Hunter Coast Premier CC)
- Ella Briscoe (NSW/St George-Sutherland Women’s CC)
- Maggie Clark (SA/West Torrens District CC)
- Hasrat Gill (VIC/Melbourne CC) – vice captain
- Amy Hunter (ACT/Eastlake CC)
- Sara Kennedy (VIC/Carlton CC)
- Eleanor Larosa (SA/Glenelg District CC)
- Grace Lyons (ACT/Western Creek Molongo CC)
- Ines McKeon (WA/Midland Guildford CC)
- Juliette Morton (NSW/St George-Sutherland Women’s CC)
- Kate Pelle (NSW/Parramatta Women’s Grade CC)
- Tegan Williamson (WA/Wanneroo District CC)
Australia’s 2025 ICC U19 Women’s T20 World Cup Group Matches
- 18 Jan: Australia v Scotland, YSD-UKM Cricket Oval | Bangi
- 20 Jan: Australia v Bangladesh, YSD-UKM Cricket Oval | Bangi
- 22 Jan: Australia v Nepal, YSD-UKM Cricket Oval | Bangi
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🏏 Lucy Hamilton leads Australia’s U19 Women’s World Cup squad in Malaysia, blending talent & determination. 🌟 With an exciting line-up of rising stars & high-stakes matches, who’s your pick to shine? 🤔 Read the full story here! 🌍 #TheIndianSunhttps://t.co/7aWHEU94aq
— The Indian Sun (@The_Indian_Sun) January 5, 2025
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