Rain threatens Friday’s India v Australia U19 ODI opener in Rajkot

Heavy rain threatened to disrupt Friday’s opening youth One-Day International between India Under-19 and Australia Under-19 at the Niranjan Shah Stadium in Rajkot, the first match of a three-match series. The fixture is scheduled to start at 9 a.m.

India’s Under-19 side will be led by Lakshya Raichandani with Yashbardhan Singh Chauhan as his deputy for the three-match series. Lakshya was vice-captain on the recent Sri Lanka tour where Yashbardhan led the side, and coach Yere Goud said the squad’s preparation was complete ahead of the Australia contest.

“Australia is always a formidable side. From the preparation point of view, we are happy that we’ve covered all the areas. It is now about executing the plans. We know the challenges that come up against Australia, so we are prepared for them,” Goud told The Hindu.

The India squad features players with notable surnames: Anvay Dravid, the younger son of Rahul Dravid, made his India Under-19 debut in Sri Lanka, while Aaryavir Sehwag, son of former India opener Virender Sehwag, is in line for his first appearance at this level. Kushagra Ojha, another member of the touring party to Lanka, is included as a left-handed batter and Arjun Rajput returns as an all-round option.

Australia’s Under-19 side is being guided by former senior men’s head coach Tim Nielsen and includes Will Byrom and Kasey Barton, both of whom were part of the squad at this year’s Under-19 World Cup.

On the purpose of the bilateral series, Goud said: “The whole idea of this bilateral series is about exposure and development of the boys. From where they were and probably with the exposure to the bigger games, how they develop themselves wherever they are put in a game situation,” he added.

The match is the opening game of the three-match series and will commence at 9 a.m.