O’Connor set to climb new heights at under-19 cricket World Cup

It’s been a whirlwind rise for Launceston youngster Aidan O’Connor, but he feels his experiences playing against men this season will help him rise to the occasion at the under-19 cricket World Cup.

Launceston product Aidan O'Connor has been named in Australia's under-19 World Cup squad. Picture: Jon Tuxworth

Aidan O’Connor intended to head to Africa to walk one of the world’s most famous mountains.

He will do so next month for a far more important reason after he was named in Australia’s under-19 World Cup squad to play in South Africa.

Still just 17, the all-rounder sealed his place after his star displays for Tasmania saw him named the player of the tournament at last week’s under-19 national championships.

The George Town and Riverside product plundered 261 runs at 52.2, including 117 off 70 balls against ACT, and also took seven wickets with his fast bowling.

Despite being named the standout player at Albury, O’Connor maintained he was still “shocked” after he became the first Tasmanian since Jarrod Freeman five years ago to be included in an Australian under-19 squad.

“It was unexpected, but definitely a massive honour to represent your country,” O’Connor said on Monday.

“I meant to go (to Africa) in January, but didn’t end up heading over there. Dad walked Kilimanjaro and I was going to do that with him, but didn’t end up going.

“Definitely it will be a very high standard, I would have thought. I’m forward to the challenges and everything that goes with it.”

Aidan O'Connor bowling for Greater Northern Raiders this season. Picture: Nikki Davis-Jones

O’Connor batted high up in the order for Tasmania, but expects to slot in “probably six to eight” when he dons the green and gold.

He said the experience of playing against men for Tasmania’s second XI this year, as well as CTPL with Greater Northern Raiders, was the ideal preparation to dominate at his own age level.

“100 per cent, those older players are a class above,” he said.

“It’s always good to be able to learn off them, just finding out their mindset and how they go about it.

“Those players are used to pace, so it’s about trying to work them over a bit more.”

O’Connor has long been identified as a precocious talent, and was elevated to Tasmania’s contract list as a local rookie this season.

“I definitely won’t try and be a leader (with Australia). I’ll just try and fit in, get on with the other boys and make sure I’m doing my job,” he said.

Tasmania under-19s and second XI coach, Andrew Gale, said last week their goal is to challenge O’Connor to work on his craft at the highest levels possible.

“There’s obviously a history of players coming through from that part of Tasmania (Launceston), and some legends of the game. Let’s hope this is just the start of his journey and he can follow some of those legends,” he said.

“Over the next few years the key is to get him opportunities that push him, whether that’s the Tasmanian second team or the Australian under-19s or if he goes on and plays some Big Bash.”

Australia faces Sri Lanka, Zimbabwe and Namibia in the group stages, with the semi finalists to be decided through a ‘super six’ formate.

AUSTRALIA UNDER-19 WORLD CUP SQUAD

Lachlan Aitken (QLD), Charlie Anderson (NSW), Harkirat Bajwa (VIC), Mahli Beardman (WA), Tom Campbell (QLD), Harry Dixon (VIC), Ryan Hicks (NSW), Sam Konstas (NSW), Rafael MacMillan (NSW), Aidan O’Connor (TAS), Harjas Singh (NSW),Tom Straker (NSW), Callum Vidler (QLD), Corey Wasley (WA), Hugh Weibgen (QLD).