The Melbourne Cricket Club wishes to congratulate Harkirat Bajwa and Campbell Kellaway on their selection in the 15-player squad for the ICC Under 19 Men’s Cricket World Cup 2022 to be held in the West Indies early next year.
Bajwa and Kellaway had been two of six Demons selected in the extended 35-player squad announced in November, alongside Kobe Herft, Darcy Munro, Marcus Jackman and Xander Buxton. Bajwa and Kellaway are also just two of the three Victorians selected in the final 15-player squad.Bajwa, a former Victorian Country under 17 representative, is a talented off-spinner who has continued to blossom during his time at Melbourne, after playing 10 matches in the 2nd XI last season.
The 17-year-old made his Premier First XI debut this season, and has continued his outstanding wicket-taking form to date, claiming 14 wickets from six matches at an average 13.93.
Bajwa will tour as an underage player and will still be eligible for selection in the 2024 tournament.
Kellaway, a former Victorian Metro under 17 representative, went on to higher honours earlier this year when representing the Cricket Australia XI in the Northern Territory, highlighted by a match-winning 92 off 103 balls against the Northern Territory Strike.
In the 2021/22 season so far, he has enjoyed a golden start.
On December 4, Kellaway made his maiden Premier Cricket century, cracking 130 from 152 balls against St Kilda.
And then, after being notified of his inclusion in the World Cup squad, he celebrated with a follow-up knock of 102 off 120 balls.
Melbourne Premier First XI Head Coach, Ben Vague told Leader Newspapers of his excitement for the two young prospects and their selections.
“He (Kellaway) deserves it all. I’ve said it in the past, his attitude, his commitment, his dedication, it’s fantastic,’’ Mr Vague said.
“It’s reward for all the work he’s put in. And remember, this is a kid who two years ago had really bad stress fractures and missed a year of cricket. He went through hell there for a little while.
“For him to show the resilience and come back from that setback that adds another part to what he’s achieving now. He’s a really humble kid. We couldn’t be happier for him.’’
Of Bajwa, Vague said: “He’s a rare talent. He’s got some skills. He’s developing very quickly.’’
The Australian team will play three pool matches in the West Indies before the 16-team competition splits into two groups of eight for a Super League and Plate finals series.
Australian Men's Under 19 Head Coach, Anthony Clark, said he was pleased to lead the squad into a World Cup after a challenging selection process.
“Our squad includes players of all disciplines with experience in domestic cricket environments, and many have produced eye-catching performances across a variety of strong competitions this season,” Mr Clark said.
“The Under-19 World Cup provides players with an exceptional development opportunity and we look forward to seeing them represent their country with distinction.”
The squad will assemble for a training camp in Melbourne from December 28 before departing to the West Indies.
Melbourne’s Premier Men’s teams will take on Essendon this weekend before the Christmas break, with the First XI hosting Essendon at the Albert Ground as part of the club’s first Past Players Day.
ICC U19 Men’s Cricket World Cup Groupings
Group A - Bangladesh, England, Canada, United Arab EmiratesGroup B - India, Ireland, South Africa, Uganda
Group C - Afghanistan, Pakistan, Papua New Guinea, Zimbabwe
Group D - Australia, Scotland, Sri Lanka, West Indies
Australia’s ICC U19 Men’s Cricket World Cup Group Matches
Jan 14: West Indies v Australia, Guyana National StadiumJan 17: Australia v Sri Lanka, Conaree Cricket Center
Jan 19: Australia v Scotland, Conaree Cricket Center