New Delhi, 05 August 2026: Australia’s Under-19 team is set to tour India for a multi-format series starting from 13 September and Cricket Australia has announced the squad. The inclusion of 16-year-old Neil Patel in the team has become a topic of special discussion.
Neil plays for ‘New South Wales’ in Australia. He is a player of Indian origin. This series has provided him with a big opportunity. Neil plays as an opening batsman and also plays the role of off-spinner. Although he was born and raised in Australia, his ancestors were from the state of Gujarat in India.
Neil created history while playing in the ‘First Grade’ of Sydney Premier Cricket. He became the first player to score more than 1000 runs in a calendar year. Recently, this Indian-origin player also scored his first century in First Grade cricket. All eyes will be on him during the tour of India.
He performed brilliantly at Cricket Australia’s Under-19 Talent Cup in Adelaide. This performance propelled him closer to the Under-19 team and established him as one of the country’s youngest talents.
It is important to note that Neil Patel is known for his ability to stay at the crease and control the innings. Along with staying firm at the crease, he also keeps the scoreboard moving forward. Because of this ability, he can make a significant contribution for the team on any ground. It will be interesting to see how he performs during the India tour.
Australia’s Under-19 team for India tour
Casey Barton, Hayden Barbulovy, Eli Brain, Will Byram, Blake Kettle, Jack Josneck, Spencer Green, Connor Gregory, Charlie Henderson, Jade Hollick, Matthew Lough, Neil Patel, Jacob Peetz, Patrick Sullivan, Theo Singos, Thomas Vasio.