Budge to captain U19s in National Championships

The squad will be led by Melville’s Simon Budge, who earned leadership duties following a successful stint as captain during last summer’s U17 National Championships.

The talented wicketkeeper batter played a starring role for WA during the tournament, scoring 341 runs at 56.83 to finish as his side’s leading run-scorer. 

His efforts included a pair of centuries against Queensland (110) and South Australia (116), with his runs at the top of the order playing a crucial role in leading WA to the Grand Final.

Budge’s performances also earned him selection in Australia’s U19 Tour to India back in September, with the 17-year-old playing both red-ball matches and two 50-over fixtures during the trip.

Ten WA Premier Cricket Clubs have been represented in the squad, with South Perth, Claremont-Nedlands, Scarborough, and Rockingham-Mandurah all having multiple players selected.

WA will be coached by Pathways Coach of Male Programs Brian Shields, and assistant coaches Brendon Diamanti and Langley Angel.

WA will compete six 50-over fixtures over the week-long tournament, beginning with a clash against Queensland at Karen Rolton Oval on Thursday 12 December.

Every match of the Under 19s National Male Championships will be streamed live on the Cricket Australia YouTube channel, while scorecards can be accessed through Play Cricket.

Click here to view all fixtures for the U19s Male National Championships

Cricket Australia YouTube Channel can be accessed here

Reflecting on the squad, Western Australia Pathways Coach – Male Programs Brian Shields said:

“We believe this is a talented and balanced squad that I’m looking forward to seeing compete and be challenged over the six matches in Adelaide. The National Championships are always a great opportunity for our players to showcase their skills and continue to gain experience playing against some exciting cricketers from all around Australia.

“The Championships also gives Simon another chance to enhance his leadership skills, he did such a terrific job during last year’s U17 Championships, and we are excited for him to lead this group.

“We are sending a very talented and versatile batting group to the Championships this year, led by skipper Simon Budge, Adam Solomons and Zed Hollick, while Sean Thompson plays in the 19s again this season after impressing as a bottom-ager last summer.

“Albert Esterhuysen leads a potent fast bowling attack that includes Wyatt Wilson, Jordan Quiggin, Zeph Netherway and Connor Southam while we have quality spin bowling options in Matt Carroll, Zed Hollick and Will Malajczuk.

“The boys are very well prepared and have had a great lead in with all 14 players having exposure to 1st Grade Cricket this summer, playing against and alongside WAs best, which will hold us in good stead when we get to Adelaide." 

WA’s 14-player squad:
Simon Budge – Captain (Melville Cricket Club/Bateman JCC)
Ethan Benson (Scarborough Cricket Club/Scarborough JCC)
Matt Carroll (Wanneroo Districts Cricket Club/Kingsley-Woodvale JCC)
Albert Esterhuysen (Rockingham-Mandurah Cricket Club/Mandurah JCC)
Zed Hollick (Scarborough Cricket Club/Scarborough JCC)
Will Malajczuk (Subiaco-Floreat Cricket Club/Subiaco-Marist CC)
Zeph Netherway (Claremont-Nedlands Cricket Club/Claremont Nedlands JCC)
Jake Pattison (Rockingham-Mandurah Cricket Club/Halls Head CC)
Jordan Quiggin (Joondalup Districts Cricket Club/Whitfords JCC)
Adam Solomons (South Perth Cricket Club/Claremont Nedlands JCC)
Connor Southam (Gosnells Cricket Club/Armadale JCC)
Sean Thompson (South Perth Cricket Club/Claremont Nedlands JCC)
Wiehan Vorster Beukes (Perth Cricket Club/Murdoch University Melville CC)
Wyatt Wilson (South Perth Cricket Club/South Perth JCC)