Queensland batter Jayden Draper has showcased his potential with a stunning century on debut in last night's second Youth ODI between Australia and India at Ian Healy Oval.
Draper Shines For U19s
Draper, who plays for Valley, hit the third fastest Youth ODI century of all time, with his 65-ball century the centrepiece of Australia's gallant response against a strong Indian line-up.
The right-hander, who is the son of former professional tennis player and golfer Scott, came to the crease with Australia battling at 4-64 in their pursuit of Indiia's total of 300.
He peppered the boundaries of Ian Healy Oval, hitting five sixes and eight fours as he and Aryan Sharma (38) fought hard to lift the home side . Australia was eventually dismissed for 251.
He finished with 107 runs from 72 balls.
Draper's mark was easily the fastest ever by an Australian youth batter, eclipsing the record previously held by Victoria's Harry Dxon, a member of the 2024 ICC U-19 World Cup championship side, who scored a century off 104 balls.
He is one of four Queenslanders in the current squad, alongside Sandgate-Redcliffe batter Steven Hogan, Sunshine Coast paceman Ben Gordon and Ipswich quick Charles Lachmund.
The third match of the series will be played tomorrow at Ian Healy Oval with Australia looking to avoid a clean-sweep at the hands of the touring side that contains two players - teen sensation Vaibhav Suryavanshi and captain Ayush Mhatre - who have played in the IPL.