There will be plenty of exciting young players on show at the Under-19 National Championships, which kick off on Monday in Hobart.
Ten to watch: U19 National Champs
Here are ten you might want to keep an eye on:
Max Bryant (Queensland)
With two half-centuries - at a rapid rate - against Queensland and NSW in this summer’s JLT One-Day Cup, 18-year-old Queensland Bulls rookie Max Bryant put his name on the radar.
The destructive opening batsman, who has recently signed with the Brisbane Heat, has the ability to break a game open like few others.
Jack Edwards (NSW Metro)
A joint player of the tournament when Australia Under 19s defeated Sri Lanka Under 19s in April this year, Manly product Jack Edwards has talent to burn.
The 17-year-old Sydney Sixers rookie has the ability to score quickly - and all around the ground - while being able to generate good pace off a long run.
Zak Evans (VIC Metro)
Victoria Bushrangers rookie Zak Evans impressed at domestic and international Under 19 level last summer, and knows how to bowl wicket-taking deliveries.
The 17-year-old quick has plenty of pace, knows how to swing the new ball and will be a key player if his Victoria Metro side are to progress in the tournament.
Cameron Green (Western Australia)
Cameron Green made his mark at last year’s Under-19 National Championships - starring in the tournament final before going on to bigger and better things.
The 18-year-old Western Warriors and Perth Scorchers all-rounder made an impressive JLT Sheffield Shield debut with the Warriors with the ball, and with the bat can clear the fence with ease.
Image Id: A45662E991434A4DB70B5522D0814B4D Image Caption: Aaron Hardie celebrates the wicket of Joe Root // GettyAaron Hardie (Western Australia)
Western Australia captain Aaron Hardie will be determined to take the trophy back west, and he has a strong squad at his disposal.
But the 18-year-old all-rounder has since become more famous for dismissing England captain Joe Root in an Ashes tour game, and combines his medium-fast bowling with some classy stroke-making.
Jason Sangha (ACT/NSW Country)
NSW Blues rookie Jason Sangha has long been touted as a future star, and his century against England in an Ashes tour match last month was all class.
The 18-year-old right-handed top-order bat, who co-captained Australia Under 19s in April, is particularly strong against spin bowling, and will captain ACT/NSW Country.
Jono Merlo (VIC Metro)
With bat and ball, Victoria Metro skipper Jono Merlo is capable of having a big impact on matches.
The 18-year-old smashed a century for Australia Under 19s in April, highlighting his ability to find the boundary, and impressed with his right arm medium-pace bowling while playing for the CA XI in this year’s JLT One-Day Cup.
Lloyd Pope (South Australia)
Leg-spinner Lloyd Pope spun his way into a South Australia Redbacks rookie deal last summer, after a sensational Pathways summer.
The leading wicket-taker at the Under 17s and Under 19s - plus Australia Under 19s’ series against Sri Lanka - the 18-year-old has plenty of variation, and knows how to bowl wicket-taking deliveries.
Param Uppal (NSW Metro)
A ton against Sri Lanka Under 19s in April highlighted Param Uppal’s ability, and the batting all-rounder will be an important player if he is to skipper NSW Metro to the title.
It’s been a big 12 months for Uppal, a NSW Blues rookie who spent the winter with the National Performance Squad, before joining up with the CA XI for the JLT One-Day Cup.
Image Id: 3A49BDAAEE3641B1987DACBAAA844F3D Image Caption: Xavier Bartlett bowls for the CA XI // GettyXavier Bartlett (Queensland)
Queensland Bulls rookie Xavier Bartlett starred at last year’s Under-19 National Championships, and will have his sights set on a similar performance this summer.
The 18-year-old fast bowler has played domestic one-day matches for the CA XI - and a tour match against South Africa - and knows how to move the ball at good pace.