Indian cricket’s future stars have given the country plenty to cheer about. The India U19 team produced a stunning performance in Australia, winning every match across formats and setting a new record in the process. Ayush Mhatre-led side not only whitewashed the hosts in both one-day and Test series but also broke a three-decade-old record by winning the shortest Youth Test match ever to have a result.
The young Indian team began their campaign in style, taking the three-match Youth ODI series 3-0. They started with a convincing seven-wicket win, followed it up with a 51-run victory in the second match, and then sealed the series with a thumping 167-run triumph in the final game. The clean sweep set the tone for what turned out to be an extraordinary tour.
The momentum continued into the red-ball leg of the tour. India opened the two-match Youth Test series with a commanding innings and 58-run victory, showing clear superiority in both batting and bowling. The second Test, played in Mackay, added a historic touch to the series as India clinched the game by seven wickets in what became the shortest Youth Test match in the history to produce a result — lasting only 886 deliveries. The previous record belonged to the West Indies, who defeated Pakistan in 1995 in Faisalabad in 992 deliveries.
Australia’s batting line-up struggled badly throughout the series. In the first Test in Brisbane, they were dismissed for 243 and then 127 in their two innings, offering only occasional resistance. The story was similar in Mackay, where wicketkeeper Alex Lee Young was the only standout performer for the hosts, scoring a gritty 66, the sole half-century of the match, as Australia were bowled out for 135 in the first innings and just 116 in the second.
India’s bowlers maintained relentless pressure, exploiting the conditions perfectly. With a first-innings lead of 36 runs, India chased down a modest target of 81 with ease, losing only three wickets to wrap up the series 2-0.
The final day of the record-breaking match saw India resume at 144 for 7 after having bowled Australia out for just 135 in their first innings. Overnight batters Henil Patel and Deepesh Devendran added useful runs before Patel was dismissed by Kasey Barton, who finished with four wickets. Devendran’s patient 22 helped India reach 171, with contributions from Charles Lachmund, Will Byrom, and Julian Osbourne, who took two wickets each for Australia.
By the end of the tour, the Indian U19 team had won all the five matches (three ODIs and two Tests), without losing a single game. More importantly, they demonstrated the depth, discipline, and promise which is a good indication for the future of Indian cricket. Their historic feat in Mackay will be remembered not just for the record they broke but for the fearless and dominant brand of cricket that marked every step of their journey Down Under.
Well played, Juniors!
