18-year-old Oliver Peake has been named in the Australia A squad for the upcoming series against Sri Lanka A in Darwin, despite playing only one first-class match. The left-handed batter from Victoria impressed selectors during his debut with scores of 52 and 21 on a challenging WACA pitch.
His rapid rise comes after being a development player on the senior Test squad’s tour of Sri Lanka. Peake’s selection signals the high regard selectors have for his potential.
Australia A Squad Blends Youth and Experience
Peake is joined by veteran Sheffield Shield performers Jake Weatherald, Kurtis Patterson, and Jason Sangha, as well as fringe Test hopefuls Matt Renshaw and Nathan McSweeney. Weatherald, notably born in Darwin, led the Shield run charts with 906 runs.
Another young star, Campbell Kellaway, who scored an unbeaten 165 in the same match as Peake’s debut, has also earned selection.
Raw Bowling Attack Chosen on Potential
While the batting lineup boasts experience, the bowling unit is relatively raw. With Todd Murphy securing a county deal in England, Billy Stanlake leads a group of emerging quicks, including Bryce Jackson, Jack Nisbet, Henry Thornton, and Sam Elliott.
Selectors emphasized that the squad was chosen in consultation with state associations, and several senior players were not considered due to overseas commitments. A stronger squad is expected to tour India later in the year ahead of the 2027 Border-Gavaskar Trophy.
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