The India U-19 team concluded an impressive tour of Australia with a seven-wicket victory in the second and final Youth Test on Wednesday, completing a clean sweep of the hosts. Starting the second day at 114 for seven, the young Indians contributed 57 runs and finished at 171 all out for a modest 36-run first-innings lead.

Once again, Australia's batting did not shine, producing just 119 runs in their second innings and giving India a chaseable target of 81. India lost both their star openers early in the inning, including captain Ayush Mhatre and teenage sensation Vaibhav Suryavanshi, but chased down the target comfortably within 12.2 overs. Suryavanshi smashed an aggressive first ball straight but fell short of clearing the boundary, and Mhatre was bowled out next over by Kasey Barton, attempting a shot he would not have wanted.

Henil Patel leads clinical bowling performance in the India U-19 series against Australia

Australia U-19's batting struggles were further compounded by India's effective pace attack. Pacer Henil Patel struck in the second over of the innings, removing both Simon Budge and Zed Hollick off back-to-back deliveries, leaving the hosts at one point struggling at no score for 2 wickets. From that moment onwards, Australia had no reply to India's disciplined bowling attack and it quickly spiralled into India's favour.

The emphatic showing in the Youth Test was a repetition of India U-19's dominance during the previous Youth ODIs, where they also swept Australia in the three-match series. Henil Patel was also the standout with the ball during the second test, with figures of 3 for 23 in the first innings, while Vedant Trivedi's unbeaten 33 pulled India through in the final innings. Australia's highest score came from Alex Lee Young, who made 38 runs in the first innings, but this wasn't enough to combat India's all-round efforts.

Following on from winning this series, India U-19 showed not only their depth and talent but also a warning sign for other international youth teams competing shortly. The 2-0 win in the red-ball series also showed India's growing dominance on foreign soil, and the future of Indian cricket looks ever brighter.

Brief Scores:

Australia U19: 135 & 116 all out (Alex Lee Young 38; Henil Patel 3/23)

India U19: 171 & 84/3 in 12.2 overs (Vedant Trivedi 33*; Kasey Barton 2/32)

(With PTI Inputs)