With this current Australian cricket team being on their last legs, there should be a shift to a younger group who can carry Australia to their next dominant side. Here are Australia’s best prospects under 25 who could potentially be stars.
Batsmen
Sam Konstas (19)
Konstas took the world by storm in his debut series as he showed both his ultra-aggressive side and his defensive prowess. While he did only average 28.25 in his 2 games he is certainly a better player than that and was rewarded by being picked in Australia’s World Test Championship final squad. Konstas is seemingly set to play a huge amount of Test cricket for Australia as there is a huge hole up the top of the order and many are already calling for him to fill it.
Campbell Kellaway (22)
Kellaway had a tremendous season for Victoria in the Sheffield Shield as he made a whopping 738 runs across 10 games at an average of 41.00. Kellaway made the switch from three to opening and it paid dividends as he had his best season to date. He is a tall, imposing left-hand batsman, but his main calling card is his ability to soak pressure and bat for long periods. While he can score quickly, he is more of the Usman Khawaja build of player and can play aggressively when needed.
Harry Dixon (20)
Dixon has only played four Shield games but has already shown he belongs at the level. He is one of the more aggressive batsmen and started his career in Shield cricket in the middle, but I would not be surprised if he transitions to a David Warner-type of opener. Dixon was arguably the best player in the recent under-19 Cricket World Cup where he made 309 runs at an average of 44.14 opening the batting. His tremendous stroke play and gorgeous pull shot should put him as a top priority for the Australians over the coming years.
Our young talent continues to stand up
— Victorian Cricket Team (@VicStateCricket) March 8, 2025???? Campbell Kellaway (77) and Harry Dixon (76) top score as we finish our second innings with a lead of 299 runs. Time for a bowl #vicsdoitbetter pic.twitter.com/K5cZUylKsZ
Hugh Weibgen (20)
Weibgen still is yet to make his debut in the Sheffield Shield but was ultra impressive as Australia’s captain at the most recent under-19 World Cup and in the BBL where he played for the Brisbane Heat. Weibgen is a tall middle-order batsmen who can work the ball around wherever he wants and has a lovely balance of both aggressiveness, but understands when he needs to stay in. Weibgen will certainly be in the frame for a shield debut this coming season, and with some exposure at the level, he could turn into a fantastic leader and batsman for the Australian cricket team down the path.
Oliver Peake (18)
The youngest on this list Peake got his opportunity in the backend of the shield season and showed some incredible promise for someone who can still play under-19s and was born in 2006. Peake averaged 36.50 in his first and only match for Victoria, including a 52. He is a classy left-hander and has risen through the ranks quicker than many could have expected up to this date, so it won’t be long until his name becomes very normal in Australian selection ideas.
All Rounders
Cooper Connolly (21)
Connolly had a breakout season which ended in his test debut in Sri Lanka. While he did struggle at the level, only making 4 runs and not taking a wicket, he will certainly be one to watch out for as he is a tremendous talent, and his ability to dominate in the Shield shows he is a level above. While Connolly will probably never be a front-line spinner, his handy left arm offies could certainly be important in tours of the Sub-continent where he can be used as 3rd spinner, or around the world where he can be used for some handy overs if the main spinner is struggling.
Jack Edwards (25)
Edwards had a phenomenal Sheffield shield campaign as he established himself as one of the best all-rounders going around. Edwards took an impressive 29 2ickets at 24.03 in his 9 games for NSW while on the batting side he made 435 runs at 33.46. It is hard to choose what he is better at but it more likely he will end up being a very handy number 6 who is a better bowler then a part time seamer.
Mitchell Owen (23)
While Owen is renowned for his terrific white ball style, he could be a very handy batting all-rounder for Australia in the long run. His statistics aren’t great, but as shown in the Big Bash with more opportunity there is a massive chance for him to improve. There is no doubt about his talent it is more about if he can bat for long periods of time and put pressure back on bowlers with his stroke play. His bowling is also handy and could be used similar to Beau Webster now, as a chop out for when the quicks are knackered.
Bowlers
Fergus O’Neill (24)
O’Neill had a dominant campaign as he took 38 wickets at an ultra-impressive strike rate of 40.47 and an average of just 20.20. O’Neills ability to move the ball in the air and off the pitch is amazing, and he has shown that you don’t need blistering speed to take wickets. He has grown massively over recent years as a bowler, and there is no indication that that will be stopping anytime soon.
Will Sutherland (25)
Sutherland has been unbelievable as Victorian captain and made his Australian debut in an ODI this past year. Sutherland took 22 wickets at 19.81 in his 5 games for Victoria, and he was one of the most dangerous bowlers. Sutherland can make things happen, similar to a Pat Cummins and often finds a way to break through when no one else can. Sutherland, if he can stay healthy, could be not only a quick for the Australian team, but also a future captain.
Callum Vidler (19)
Vidler took the world by storm when he dominated the under-19 World Cup taking 14 wickets at an average of 11.71. Vidler also earned his debut for Queensland, where he took 7 wickets in 2 matches and showed off his ridiculous pace. Vidler can move the ball in the air while hitting speeds of up to 150 kmph, and with more time and experience at the Shield level, it is hard not to get excited about what he could become.
Todd Murphy (24)
Murphy has already had experience at the Test level, playing 7 matches for 22 wickets at 28.13. While he has recently fallen behind Matthew Kuhnemann for the next spinner’s spot he will most certainly be back in calculations when Nathan Lyon eventually retires. Murphy’s control is absolutely elite, and while he isn’t a massive spinner of the ball, he can make it drop and changes pace nicely. While he did have a down season for the Victorians, he will most certainly bounce back and will be one to look out for in the future.
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