Melbourne, Jan 2 (UNI) Cooper Connolly will lead Australia at the ICC Under-19 Men's Cricket World Cup 2022, Cricket Australia announced on Sunday.
The showpiece event is scheduled from January 14 to February 5 in the West Indies.
The all-rounder will play his second consecutive Under-19 World Cup, having earned selection as a 16-year-old for the 2020 tournament in South Africa.
"It is a huge honour to be named captain of Australia for the Under 19 World Cup, I’m incredibly thankful for the opportunity to lead our team," said Connolly.
"We are fortunate to have strong leaders in our group, and I know I have fantastic support around me.
"I’m thrilled to be playing for Australia again, the World Cup is the ultimate under-age carnival and as a squad we are excited to embrace the opportunity that’s in front of us," added the captain.
Connolly featured in two matches in the 2020 edition, playing an innings of 64 off 53 balls against the West Indies. His knock made him only the fourth 16-year-old player to notch a half century in an Under 19 World Cup.
The 18-year-old hails from Scarborough Cricket Club, the same club as Australian coach Justin Langer.
Connolly becomes the fourth West Australian to lead the national side at a World Cup, following in the footsteps of Mitch Marsh (2010), William Bosisto (2012) and Jaron Morgan (2014).
"Cooper is a wonderful talent and a strong character who has thoroughly earned the opportunity to lead his country at the World Cup," said Anthony Clark, head coach of Australia Under 19.
"He has already displayed his ability on the world stage and we’re excited for what he can bring to the group both on and off the field at this year's tournament.
"Cooper will captain our squad and has unanimous support from our group, but there will certainly be opportunities for all players to develop leadership qualities over the course of the tournament," added Clark.
The Australian squad will self-quarantine for three days upon arrival in Guyana before playing practice matches against South Africa and India.
Squad: Cooper Connolly (c), Harkirat Bajwa, Aidan Cahill, Joshua Garner, Isaac Higgins, Campbell Kellaway, Corey Miller, Jack Nisbet, Nivethan Radhakrishnan, William Salzmann, Lachlan Shaw, Jackson Sinfield, Tobias Snell, Tom Whitney, Teague Wyllie.
UNI PN