- Australia won the U-19 World Cup on Sunday in South Africa
- I like Harry Dixon and Sam Konstas caught the attention
- Australians keen to remain a force in T20, ODI and Test cricket
Australia’s triumph in the recent Under-19 Cricket World Cup in South Africa could prove crucial in many ways.
With David Warner recently retiring and Usman Khawaja turning 38 this year, changes are inevitable in the Test, ODI and T20 teams.
Steve Smith and Mitchell Starc, both 34, will also be out long-term as Pat Cummins looks to keep the Australians highly competitive in all three formats.
Daily Mail Australia has hand-picked five players from the under-19 team to keep an eye on, and the quintet are set to join Jake Fraser-McGurk as future stars at international level.
It was also Australia’s first win in the tournament since 2010, in a team captained by Mitchell Marsh that also included the likes of Josh Hazlewood, Kane Richardson and Adam Zampa.
Harry Dixon’s appetite for runs has drawn comparisons with star Australian batsman David Warner.
Sam Konstas is another rising star who impressed many astute cricket judges (pictured after blasting a century against the West Indies).
Harry Dixon (Victoria)
A left-footed opener who is already drawing comparisons to David Warner, such is his aggressive nature in the box.
Dixon finished as the third highest run scorer in the entire tournament and is expected to feature in Victoria and the Melbourne Renegades sooner rather than later.
Sam Konstas (New South Wales)
While he didn’t stand out in South Africa, the 18-year-old has already made his first-class debut for New South Wales.
He is being mentored by Shane Watson and in December, commentator. Kerry O’Keeffe called the youngster “the best young batsman he’s seen in recent years.”
Hugh Weibgen (Queensland)
Captain of the under-19 team, the Queenslander is a classy number three who displays solid technique.
He scored a ton against England during the group stage and then scored a patient 48 in the final against India.
Callum Vidler has fast pace and will look to carve out a career like Brett Lee.
Callum Vidler (Queensland)
Vidler is absolutely fast and reportedly covered 143 km last year. He snared 14 wickets throughout the tournament at an average of 11.71, and some of his deliveries simply could not be replicated.
He also took 5/49 and 3/85 in the youth Test against England at Worcester in September.
Oliver Peake (Victoria)
He joined the team as an injury substitute and soon made his presence felt.
He was the glue in the middle order, with crucial scores of 49 in the semi-final against Pakistan and 49 not out in the final against India.
Also only 17.