5 star cricketers you didn’t know played the Under-19 World Cup with Steve Smith ft. Virat Kohli

Steve Smith is one of the most experienced cricketers playing on the international stage right now. The right-handed batter is a part of the Australian team competing against South Africa in the 2025 World Test Championship Final at the moment.

This is Smith's second consecutive appearance with Australia at the ICC World Test Championship Final. Two years ago, he won the WTC with his team, while earlier this year, Smith captained Australia in the 2025 Champions Trophy.

Steve Smith has participated in quite a few ICC tournaments during his legendary career, including the 2008 U-19 World Cup hosted by Malaysia, where India emerged as the champions. In this listicle now, we will look at five current star cricketers you might not know played in that U-19 tournament with Steve Smith in 2008.

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#1 Virat Kohli

Former Indian skipper Virat Kohli was the captain of the India U-19 team that won the U-19 World Cup in 2008. Kohli was the third-highest run-scorer in the competition, aggregating 235 runs.

While their U-19 rivalry was not that popular, Kohli and Smith had a rivalry for the ages at the senior level. The two cricketers also had a lot of respect for each other, and Kohli even gave a warm hug to Smith after he ended his ODI career during the 2025 Champions Trophy.

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#2 Josh Hazlewood played U-19 World Cup with Steve Smith

Fast bowler Josh Hazlewood is also a member of the Australian playing XI in the ongoing 2025 WTC Final against South Africa. Hazlewood was a part of the Aussie squad in the 2008 U-19 World Cup.

The Australian side lost in the quarterfinals stage of that mega event hosted by Malaysia 17 years ago. Hazlewood played four matches and bagged six wickets for the team.

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#3 Chris Woakes

English all-rounder Chris Woakes has made a name for himself with his fantastic all-round performances at the international stage for the England cricket team. Woakes represented England U-19s in the 2008 U-19 World Cup.

The fast-bowling all-rounder returned with three wickets in three matches. England U-19s lost in the quarterfinals stage of that mega event.

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#4 Kane Williamson

Former New Zealand captain Kane Williamson is in attendance to watch Steve Smith and Co. play against South Africa in the 2025 WTC Final. Williamson has been one of the top performers for New Zealand at the international level.

The right-handed batter played for the Kiwis in the 2008 U-19 World Cup as well. He scored 124 runs in five matches. New Zealand U-19s lost against India U-19s in the semifinals.

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#5 Tim Southee

Another veteran New Zealand cricketer to feature on the list is Tim Southee. The right-arm fast bowler took 17 wickets in just five matches to end as the second-highest wicket-taker in the U-19 World Cup 2008.

Southee went on to become one of the most impactful performers for New Zealand at the senior level. Apart from the five names mentioned on the list, some other prominent names who featured in the U-19 World Cup with Steve Smith include the likes of Wayne Parnell, Ravindra Jadeja, Trent Boult, Corey Anderson, Lahiru Thirimanne, and Thisara Perera.