Former Victoria and Australia spinner Bryce McGain has liked what he’s seen from the ongoing ICC Under-19 Cricket World Cup in South Africa.
The Aussies won through to the Final overnight with a thrilling win in the Semi-Final against Pakistan, chasing the target of 180 with just five balls left and one wicket in hand.
That victory sets up a Final against India on Sunday but McGain hasn’t only been impressed by the two best sides in the tournament.
“The tournament has been as good as it's ever been,” McGain said on SEN Mornings.
“It was going to be hosted in Sri Lanka, they quickly changed it to South Africa - they've been latecomers to the hosting side of things just about three months ago the ICC made that decision.
“But it's been an incredible series really, really, hotly contested again. It's showing the great skill of the next generation of players for every nation.
“England were there or thereabouts, but Australia, of course, got through with a really challenging one wicket win in the Semi-Final (against Pakistan). India is there.
“But it's 2010 since Australia at the under 19 level have had some success internationally. So, it's been a little while.”
Taking a closer look at the Australian team, McGain expects several names to forge pathways into state cricket in the coming years.
Queensland’s Callum Vidler has attracted plenty of attention for his ability to bowl consistently at over 140 km/h and has taken 12 wickets at an average of just 10.75.
In terms of Victorians, McGain has loved what he’s seen from opener Harry Dixon who sits fifth in the run-scoring ranks with 267 at 44.50 – including 50 in the Semi-Final, while 17-year-old Oliver Peake has impressed with two strong knocks after joining the squad as a late replacement.
McGain expects Dixon and Peake to push into Victorian state squads in the coming years.
“A few of those standouts that you're talking about, from a Victorian perspective, one of those is Harry Dixon,” McGain said.
“He plays at St Kilda, he got 50 in that opening the batting (in the Semi-Final), he's pretty dynamic.
“Another one is a son of a gun Oliver Peake, son of Clinton Peake who played some state cricket for Victoria and was a really good dynamic left-hand bat. His son is exactly the same.
“He got 49 in that Semi-Final. He was a late inclusion … but he's a really dynamic player.
“There's also a bowler that's been doing really well, Tom Straker, he's from New South Wales, he's from Sutherland.
“They're led by a guy from Queensland Hugh Weibgen, he’s doing a terrific job and speaks so well with great leadership there.
“So, there's a few names that will be definitely popping up through Australian cricket.
“But from a Victorian perspective, Dixon and Peake will be in those emerging squads and be pushing their way into the state group, which is really exciting.”
The Final between India and Australia begins on Sunday, February 11 at 7:00 pm (AEDT).
