Peake becomes youngest ODI batsman in Australian history

GEELONG rising star Oliver Peake has become Australia’s youngest specialist One Day International (ODI) batsman after making his senior debut in the opening match of a three-game series against Pakistan.

The 19-year-old became the 252nd player to represent Australia in men’s ODI cricket in the clash at Rawalpindi on Monday, with Pakistan claiming a five-wicket victory.

Batting at number seven, Peake made seven from 16 balls in a difficult outing for Australia’s batting line-up, which was dismantled by Pakistan spinner Arafat Minhas, who claimed five wickets on debut.

Australia and Peake enjoyed a much stronger performance in Wednesday’s second ODI at Gaddafi Stadium, bouncing back with a 41-run win.

Again arriving at the crease at number seven, Peake scored 31 from 32 deliveries at a strike rate of 96.88, including a boundary and two sixes. His innings was the fourth-highest score of the match for Australia.

The debut marks another milestone in an already impressive rise for the young Geelong product, who captained Australia at this year’s Under-19 World Cup and enjoyed a breakout Big Bash League campaign with the Melbourne Renegades.

Across the series, Peake has shared the field with established internationals including Alex Carey, Marnus Labuschagne and Cameron Green, gaining valuable experience as he begins his international career.