THE inaugural Under 19 Women’s World Cup is just around the corner, with 16 countries set to battle it out in South Africa this month for the chance to be crowned the inaugural champion.

Ahead of the tournament, we here at Rookie Me Central will be previewing all the countries competing at the tournament, looking at their squads, their fixtures and how things might go for them.

In this final team preview, we are having a look at Australia.

For a long time, the Australians have been the epitome of a dominant team at senior women’s level so the Under 19 side will definitely be looking to continue that trajectory at the inaugural Under 19 World Cup.

The problem with the Aussie senior side having so much success is that it has limited the opportunity for some of the country’s younger stars to gain that international experience, which sees the Aussies heading into this World Cup with a bit of a disadvantage, not having anyone in their side with senior international experience.

Regardless, there is certainly the talent there to go deep in this tournament.

The Australian team was selected off the back of their performances at the recent Under 19 National Championships, with many of those named in the Australian side regular faces for their state sides. The most familiar of these is no doubt Victorian Ella Hayward, who has become a mainstay of the Renegades for some years and starting to cement her spot in the Victorian team.

Another member of the Australian squad in a similar situation is fellow Victorian Rhys McKenna, who has become an integral part of the Stars and Victorian line ups. Some other faces who are regulars at national level include New South Welshwoman Jade Allen and Queenslander Lucy Hamilton.

With a group consisting of Bangladesh, USA and Sri Lanka, making the Super 6s stage should be no trouble for the Australians. The question will be how far they can go after that.

The final is certainly not out of reach for the Aussies, but with plenty of other strong teams in the competition it is too early to tell who is going to make that final.

Australia Squad

Chloe Ainsworth, Jade Allen, Charis Bekker, Paris Bowdler, Maggie Clark, Sianna Ginger, Lucy Hamilton, Ella Hayward, Milly Illingworth, Eleanor Larosa, Rhys McKenna, Claire Moore, Kate Pelle, Amy Smith, Ella Wilson

Australia Fixture

January 14 – Bangladesh

January 16 – USA

January 18 – Sri Lanka