Who is Tom Straker? Know more about Australia's U-19 World Cup star who broke Kagiso Rabada's massive record

In less than three months, the stage is set for another India-Australia World Cup final. Australia's Under-19 team marched into the final of the U-19 Cricket World Cup with a thrilling one-wicket win over Pakistan in the semi-final. The Men in Yellow will lock horns with India on Sunday, February 11 at Willowmoore Park, Benoni for the ultimate clash.

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Pakistan, after being inserted into bat first, were restricted to below 180, credit to fiery pace bowler Tom Straker. The youngster single-handedly demolished the Men in Green with a remarkable spell of 6/24 in his 9.5 overs. As a result, Pakistan were bowled out for 179 runs in 48.5 overs in a must-win match.

The chase was not easy, The chase was not an easy one, but opener Harry Dixon's half-century and Oliver Peake's sensible knock did the wonder for the Aussies. Pakistan speedster Ali Raza's four-wicket haul went in vain as Australia crossed the finish line in the final over of the match. 

Straker not only won the Player of the Match for his sensational figures but also etched his name in the history books of the marquee event. He hadn't played Australia's three games leading up to the semi-final. However, captain Hugh Weibgen's tough call to replace Charlie Anderson, paid off big. 

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The medium-pacer tore apart Paksitan's top order in his first spell and then returned to clean up the tail. Straker registered the best figures for a bowler in a semi-final or final of the U-19 World Cup, surpassing Kagiso Rabada's feat of 6 for 25 in the 2014 semi-final. The South African great's 10-year record has been broken in Benoni. 

Who is young sensation Tom Straker? 

There is always a beginning. Many of the legends of the game we've seen over the years had a beginning in the early stages of their careers. Straker started his career on a high, and who knows he could be a generational talent in the future. Born on March 19, 2005 in Australia, this right-arm pacer has represented the national team at the youth level. 

He played across all three formats, marking his presence in 7 ODIs, 1 Test and 1 T20I. In January 2023, Straker was part of the Australia Under-19 team that played against England. The young lad recorded bowling figures of 3/58 and 1/48 in the first and second innings. 

He made his debut in Youth One Day Internationals in the same year. Straker accounted for three dismissals in two games with figures of 2/32 and 1/9. He made his debut in Youth T20 Internationals against England U-19 and impressed with figures of 2/35 in 4 overs. Notably, Straker has taken a total of 12 wickets in five appearances in the ongoing World Cup.