Australia will host a nine-match Women’s Under-19 Tri-Series from April 6 to 18, 2026, across Brisbane and the Gold Coast, featuring England and Sri Lanka. The competition will include three 50-over matches followed by six T20 fixtures, played at Ian Healy Oval and Bill Pippen Oval.
The series also marks a key moment off the field, with former Australia captain Meg Lanning stepping into her first role as a development coach.
Lanning Starts Coaching Journey
Lanning, who retired from international cricket on November 8, 2023, begins her coaching involvement as part of Australia’s pathway system. She joins head coach Kristen Beams in guiding the next generation of players.
Her international career included seven ICC titles, comprising two ODI World Cups (2013, 2022) and five T20 World Cups (2014, 2018, 2020, 2023, and one additional title under her captaincy alongside the 2022 ODI crown).
Lanning’s record with the bat featured 4,602 ODI runs in 102 innings at an average of 53.51 and strike rate of 92.20, including 15 centuries and 21 fifties. In T20Is, she scored 3,405 runs in 121 innings across 132 matches at an average of 36.61 and strike rate of 116.37, with two centuries and 15 fifties. She also made 345 Test runs in 12 innings at an average of 31.36.
Australia U19 Squad and Leadership
Australia’s Under-19 side will be led by Western Australia’s Tegan Williamson, who has experience from the ICC U19 Women’s T20 World Cup and a recent tour of Sri Lanka.
She will be supported by a leadership group that includes 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), Shiloh Julien (NSW)
Tournament Schedule
- 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
Focus on Player Development
The tri-series is part of Cricket Australia’s broader effort to strengthen its development pathways and provide young players with exposure to international conditions.
“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.”
Building for the Future
With a mix of international opposition and varied match formats, the series offers a platform for emerging players to gain experience. Lanning’s presence in the coaching setup adds further value as Australia continue to invest in developing future talent.
