Australia’s commitment to nurturing the next generation of women’s cricket stars takes centre stage from April 6-18, 2026, with a thrilling nine-match U19 Women’s Tri-Series in Brisbane and the Gold Coast. Featuring hosts Australia against England and Sri Lanka, the series kicks off with three 50-over clashes followed by six T20 fixtures at Ian Healy Oval and Bill Pippen Oval.
This multi-format showdown not only promises high-octane action but also marks a milestone: legendary former Australian skipper Meg Lanning’s first stint as development coach. Lanning, who retired from international cricket on November 8, 2023, after shocking the fraternity with her abrupt exit, remains a force in global franchise leagues as a player. Her trophy cabinet gleams with seven ICC titles, including two ODI World Cups (2013, 2022) and five T20 World Cups (2014, 2018, 2020, 2023, five won under her captaincy alongside the 2022 ODI crown).
Batting stats that defined an era include 4,602 ODI runs in 102 innings at an average of 53.51 and strike rate of 92.20 (15 centuries, 21 fifties); 3,405 T20I runs in 121 innings across 132 matches at 36.61 average and 116.37 strike rate (2 centuries, 15 fifties); and 345 Test runs in 12 innings over 6 matches at 31.36 average and 44.57 strike rate (2 fifties). Now, she’s channelling that winning wisdom into mentoring Australia’s young guns alongside head coach Kristen Beams.
Leading the Australian U19 squad is Western Australia’s Tegan Williamson, a veteran of the last ICC U19 Women’s T20 World Cup and Australia’s recent tour to Sri Lanka. She’s backed by a sharp leadership group featuring Emily Powell (NSW) and Ayaka Stafford (QLD).
Australia Women’s Under-19 Squad:
Tegan Williamson (C), Emily Powell (NSW), Ayaka Stafford (QLD), Alyssa Dermody (WA), Aurora Mavros (NSW), Ava Drury (NSW), Ayla Johnson (QLD), Chelsea Sonter (QLD), Eva Baird (VIC), Filippa Suesee (QLD), Indira Panelli (SA), Ira Aery (VIC), Mia Barwick (TAS), and Shiloh Julien (NSW).
Series Schedule:
| Date | Match | Venue |
|---|---|---|
| April 6, 2026 | Australia U19 vs England U19 | Ian Healy Oval, Brisbane |
| April 7, 2026 | Sri Lanka U19 vs England U19 | Ian Healy Oval, Brisbane |
| April 8, 2026 | Australia U19 vs Sri Lanka U19 | Ian Healy Oval, Brisbane |
| April 11, 2026 | Australia U19 vs England U19 | Bill Pippen Oval, Gold Coast |
| April 12, 2026 | Sri Lanka U19 vs England U19 | Bill Pippen Oval, Gold Coast |
| April 13, 2026 | Australia U19 vs Sri Lanka U19 | Bill Pippen Oval, Gold Coast |
| April 15, 2026 | Australia U19 vs England U19 | Ian Healy Oval, Brisbane |
| April 17, 2026 | England U19 vs Sri Lanka U19 | Ian Healy Oval, Brisbane |
| April 18, 2026 | Australia U19 vs Sri Lanka U19 | Ian Healy Oval, Brisbane |
Cricket Australia’s Head of National Development, Sonya Thompson, captures the series’ essence: “This multi-format tri-series provides a terrific opportunity for our young group to learn, grow and test themselves in a competitive environment. Hosting England and Sri Lanka gives our players exposure to different playing situations and match conditions, which is a huge part of their development on and off the field. The series forms part of our long-term commitment to strengthening women’s pathways and preparing players for future ICC U19 and senior international opportunities.”
With Lanning’s tactical genius on deck, expect Williamson’s side to blend fearless youth with seasoned insights, potentially unearthing the next Lanning herself. Mark your calendars; this tri-series could redefine Australia’s U19 dominance.
(Quotes sourced from Cricket Australia Official Press Release).
I am Yash Tailor, and I believe work should be driven by passion. Therefore, after completing my Engineering, I chose to work in the Cricket industry, my passion. My goal is to reach a stage where I truly enjoy what I do and give my best to every task with energy and purpose.