Australia has named a 16-player Under-19 squad for a multi-format tour of India next month, featuring three 50-over matches and two four-day games against India Under 19s in Rajkot and Ahmedabad.

Neel Patel, a standout from UNSW Cricket Club, is included, marking Indian-origin talent within the Australian squad and highlighting his rise as a top young talent.

Victorian batter Jack Czosnek, sidelined by ACL injury last season, has been building form in Darwin grade cricket this winter as he seeks to re-establish himself.

Coach Tim Nielsen will work with Byrom and Barton again, both of whom are right-arm pace bowlers in the squad.

Key young players expected to make an impact include Will Byrom and Kasey Barton as bowlers, with Neel Patel likely to anchor the top order, supported by the broader squad.

Cricket Australia emphasizes development opportunities in their pathways program, with the tour designed to test players technically and mentally in challenging conditions.

Tim Nielsen is named head coach of the Australian U-19 team, and CA’s National Development Head Sonya Thompson underscores the tour’s development value for young players.

Patrol of junior talent shows he currently plays for New South Wales and is known for wicket protection plus off-spin bowling.

Cricket Australia Development Chair George Bailey calls the tour a crucial step within the pathway program, exposing players to subcontinent conditions and high-quality opposition.

Patel’s rise follows strong performances for UNSW as he progressed through Australia’s age-group system.

Patel’s maiden first-grade century and ongoing form helped earn him selection for Cricket Australia’s elite Under-19 Men’s Talent Camp in Adelaide.

Patel is regarded as a promising teenage batter who also offers off-spin bowling.