Albany’s Bryce Jackson surprise selection in Australia A squad to face Sri Lanka in Darwin cricket series

Exciting Albany-raised paceman Bryce Jackson has been named a surprise pick among a swathe of new faces for the 16-player Australia A squad to face Sri Lanka A in a series in Darwin next month. The announcement is a huge show of faith in the Collingwood Park junior, having played just five List A matches since his debut in February 2024. The 25-year-old fast bowler was arguably the biggest surprise among the inclusions, with only a handful of domestic 50-over matches under his belt to stand for his senior cricket experience. After overcoming serious injury troubles that threatened to derail his dream of playing top level cricket, Jackson debuted for WA in early 2024 and claimed a record-breaking six wickets in the side’s clash against South Australia in September 2024. Test capped players Nathan McSweeney, Matthew Renshaw and Kurtis Patterson are among the squad’s top names, with Sheffield Shield veteran Jake Weatherald and 18-year-old Victorian batter Oliver Peake also selected. Jackson has also burst on to the one-day scene, taking 15 wickets in five games. However the WA fast bowler is yet to play a first class or T20 game for his State. The Australia A squad will play their first game in Darwin on July 4, with two 50-over matches and two four-day matches to follow throughout July. “Jake Weatherald, Jason Sangha and Kurtis Patterson have all had dominant Sheffield Shield seasons and earned the opportunity to test themselves against international opposition,” selection chief George Bailey said. “Additionally, there is a strong presence of emerging talent in the squad who will benefit from playing alongside senior players including Nathan and Matthew Renshaw who bring substantial experience at ‘A’ level.” Jackson was last month announced as part of the WA men’s contracted players for the 2025-26 domestic season.