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Australia Under-19 will face India Under-19 in the third and final Youth ODI at the Niranjan Shah Stadium in Rajkot on Wednesday, September 23. The visitors will be hoping to end the three-match series on a positive note after India secured an unassailable 2-0 lead with a dominant 103-run victory in the second ODI.
Australia began the series with a narrow seven-run defeat in a rain-reduced 20-over contest before suffering a much heavier loss in the second game. Despite the setback, the visitors have several players who have shown enough promise to warrant another opportunity in the series finale. Captain Jack Czosnek produced an impressive 81 in the second ODI, while Matthew Lough scored 42 and Zed Hollick contributed 33.
Cricket Australia had initially named a 16-member squad for the India tour, with Will Byrom and Kasey Barton the only two players in the group who featured at the 2026 U19 World Cup. Byrom claimed 10 wickets at the World Cup, while Barton picked up four wickets.
With Australia looking to avoid a 3-0 whitewash, the team management could stick with a largely settled combination while giving their leading performers another opportunity.
Here is Australia U19’s Predicted Playing XI for 3rd ODI against India U19:
Jack Czosnek is expected to continue as Australia’s captain and open the innings. The right-hander has been one of the team’s standout performers in the series and delivered an excellent knock of 81 from 63 balls in the second ODI.
Czosnek struck seven fours and four sixes and kept Australia’s chase alive for a significant period. His leadership and aggressive batting will again be crucial at the top of the order.
Hayden Barbulovic could partner Czosnek at the top. The right-hander made 11 in the second ODI but had earlier produced an entertaining 40 off 24 balls in the opening game.
His ability to attack during the powerplay makes him an important part of Australia’s batting plans. Barbulovic will be eager to convert another start into a substantial score in the final match.
Neel Patel is likely to retain his place despite making only one run in the second ODI. He has already demonstrated his ability to contribute with the bat, scoring 45 in the opening match.
Patel’s ability to build partnerships will be particularly important if Australia lose an early wicket. He can also help provide stability around Czosnek’s attacking approach.
Matthew Lough should continue at No. 4 after producing a valuable 42 off 40 balls in the second ODI. The batter struck 10 boundaries and played an important role in Australia’s recovery after the early wickets.
His ability to rotate the strike and find boundaries makes him one of Australia’s important middle-order players.
Blake Cattle could retain his place after scoring 44 off 47 balls in the second ODI. His innings contained five fours and a six and helped Australia build a significant partnership with Czosnek.
Cattle’s ability to absorb pressure and then accelerate gives the Australian middle order much-needed balance.
Zed Hollick is another player expected to feature in the final ODI. He scored 33 from 40 balls in the second match and remained involved in Australia’s chase until the latter stages.
Hollick can contribute with both bat and ball, making him a useful option in a side that needs depth across departments.
Eli Brain could continue as an all-round option. He made a modest contribution with the bat in the second game but had already impressed with the ball during the opening match, claiming two wickets.
His ability to contribute during the middle overs gives Czosnek another tactical option.
Kasey Barton is likely to spearhead Australia’s pace attack. The right-arm quick was one of Australia’s key performers at the 2026 U19 World Cup and has been identified by Cricket Australia as one of the team’s leading young fast bowlers.
Barton will be looking to make a bigger impact against an India batting lineup that scored 341 in the second ODI.
Patrick Sullivan should continue as one of Australia’s bowling all-rounders. He bowled 10 overs for 55 runs and picked up two wickets in the second ODI.
His ability to bowl a full spell while contributing lower-order runs makes him an important part of Australia’s combination.
Thomas Vaseo is expected to retain his place after taking three wickets in the second ODI. The right-arm seamer dismissed Lakshya Raichandani, Yashbardhan Chauhan and Kushagra Ojha during India’s innings.
His wicket-taking ability will be crucial if Australia are to contain India’s powerful top order.
Jacob Pietz could complete Australia’s predicted XI. The bowler delivered a full 10-over spell in the second ODI and conceded 60 runs without taking a wicket.
He will be looking to improve his returns in the series finale and provide Australia with control through the middle overs.
Jack Czosnek (C), Hayden Barbulovic, Neel Patel, Matthew Lough, Blake Cattle, Zed Hollick, Eli Brain, Kasey Barton, Patrick Sullivan, Thomas Vaseo, Jacob Pietz
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