Lucy Hamilton has been appointed as the captain of Australia’s squad for the ICC Under-19 Women’s T20 World Cup, scheduled to take place in Malaysia from January 18.
The pace-bowling all-rounder, known for her exceptional performances at a young age, will lead the team in the 16-team tournament. Hasrat Gill, a leg-spinner, has been named the vice-captain, reflecting the team’s balanced mix of experience and emerging talent.
Lucy’s cricketing journey has been nothing short of remarkable. This will be her second consecutive Under-19 World Cup appearance after being selected as a 16-year-old for the 2023 edition in South Africa.
She first made headlines in 2022 when she debuted for the Queensland Fire in the Women’s National Cricket League (WNCL) at the age of 15, becoming the second youngest cricketer to do so for the state.
Her rapid rise continued with her Women’s Big Bash League (WBBL) debut at 16, where she further cemented her reputation as an outstanding talent.
In November 2023, Lucy achieved a historic milestone, becoming the youngest cricketer in WBBL history to take a five-wicket haul.
Playing for the Brisbane Heat against the Melbourne Stars, she claimed an impressive 5-8 at Drummoyne Oval, earning widespread praise for her skill and composure under pressure. She ended the WBBL season as the joint seventh-highest wicket-taker with 12 wickets, underscoring her consistency and impact.
Speaking about her appointment as captain, Lucy expressed gratitude and excitement at the opportunity to lead the Australian team. She highlighted the strength of leadership within the squad and the collective goal of making the most of the tournament.
Reflecting on her selection, she described the World Cup as the ultimate stage for under-age players and said she is eager to embrace the challenges ahead with her teammates.
Kristen Beams, the coach of the Australia U19 team, praised Lucy’s leadership abilities and character. She emphasised Lucy’s capability to inspire her teammates both on and off the field, noting that her prior international experience would be a significant asset.
While Lucy has been entrusted with leading the squad, Beams also stressed the importance of providing leadership opportunities to all players during the tournament, fostering a culture of growth and collaboration.
Vice-captain Hasrat Gill, who brings her leg-spin prowess and tactical acumen to the team, will play a vital role in supporting Lucy and guiding the squad through high-pressure moments.
The team’s composition reflects a blend of experience and youth, aiming to make a strong impression at the global event.
Australia’s squad includes a mix of promising talents, such as Chloe Ainsworth, Lily Bassingthwaighte, and Juliette Morton, along with players like Amy Hunter and Sara Kennedy, who have showcased their skills in domestic competitions.
The squad is expected to be a formidable force in the tournament, with a strong focus on teamwork and adaptability.
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