Cricket prowess runs deep in the veins of New Zealand’s under-19 cricket squad, set to make a mark in the upcoming U19 World Cup in South Africa. The 15-member squad boasts a lineage connected to top-level cricket, featuring sons, grandsons, and cousins of renowned international players.
Among the notable inclusions is Otago spinning all-rounder Zac Cumming, a cricket prodigy and son of former Black Cap turned coach and commentator Craig Cumming. The 18-year-old, who emerged as the top wicket-taker at the New Zealand Cricket A tournament in November, follows in the footsteps of his older brother Jacob, who is a batter for Otago Volts.
Auckland’s 17-year-old batter, Tom Jones, adds another layer to the cricketing lineage, being the grandson of former test captain turned commentator Jeremy Coney. His impressive skills earned him a spot in the squad, and he is part of a trio eligible for the next U19 World Cup in 2026, alongside Otago’s Mason Clarke and Northern Districts’ Snehith Reddy.
Central Districts seamer Matt Rowe, a cousin of White Ferns seamer Hannah Rowe, is another fresh face in the squad. He played a crucial role in securing victory at the ICC East Asia Pacific qualifiers in June, ensuring New Zealand’s participation in the U19 World Cup.
The team will be led by Wellington all-rounder Oscar Jackson and includes a diverse mix of players, featuring four spin options, five seamers, including a seam-bowling all-rounder, and two wicket-keepers.
U19 World Cup: New Zealand squad and fixtures
The U19 World Cup, scheduled for January and February, will see New Zealand face Afghanistan, Nepal, and Pakistan in the group stage. The squad, under the coaching guidance of Jonny Bassett-Graham, is gearing up for the challenge, leaving for South Africa on January 11.
Bassett-Graham expressed excitement for the squad, emphasizing the tournament’s significance in providing a platform for young talents to test themselves against the best globally. The coach acknowledged the tough decisions in finalizing the squad but expressed confidence in the team’s versatility in batting and the right bowling options to tackle diverse conditions in South Africa.
As the U19 Cricket World Cup draws near, the sons and grandsons of Black Caps carry the legacy forward, aiming to make their mark on the global cricketing stage and contribute to New Zealand’s cricketing narrative.
New Zealand squad for U19 Cricket World Cup: Oscar Jackson (captain, Wellington), Mason Clarke (Otago), Sam Clode (wk, Northern Districts), Zac Cumming (Otago), Rahman Hekmat (Auckland), Tom Jones (Auckland), James Nelson (Auckland), Snehith Reddy (Northern Districts), Matt Rowe (Central Districts), Ewald Schreuder(Northern Districts), Lachlan Stackpole (Auckland), Oliver Tewatiya (Wellington), Alex Thompson (wk, Wellington), Ryan Tsourgas (Wellington), Luke Watson (Auckland).
Group fixtures:
Sun Jan 21: v Nepal, Buffalo Park, East London
Tues Jan 23: v Afghanistan, Buffalo Park, East London
Sat Jan 27: v Pakistan, Buffalo Park, East London.
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