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MELBOURNE, Australia – Every Irish winter, many Irish cricketers head to far flung locations to experience playing cricket in a different culture and in different conditions, and with an Under-19 World Cup selection on the horizon, 18-year old batting all-rounder Sebastian Dijkstra has temporarily relocated Down Under to play with Brighton Cricket Club and work with the International Cricket Programme.

The International Cricket Programme (ICP) (see story) provides aspiring and current professional cricketers from around the world with the complete cricket and life experience. Aimed at cricketers looking to develop their game through a season overseas, the programme involves daily training sessions with some of the world’s best players and coaches whilst competing in state club competition. With most overseas players seeking more than one or two days of club cricket each week, the programme was set up to help cricketers maximise their overseas experience.

The Merrion leg-spinning all-rounder has been part of the Ireland Under-19s setup in recent years, and in 2025 has played seven matches against Zimbabwe U19s, England U19s and Bangladesh U19s taking at least a wicket in every match and scoring two half-centuries. His 3-33 against England U19s at Loughborough was a particular high point – and was recently named in the Irish squad for the 2026 ICC Under-19 Men’s Cricket World Cup early next year.

Playing statistics

Seb has played 12 matches so far this season:

Batting:

• Innings: 14
• Runs: 473
• Average: 47.30
• High score: 82
• 50s: 4

Bowling:

• Overs: 25.1
• Wickets: 5
• Best bowling: 3-29
• Average: 22.60

Speaking after a training session with the ICP in Melbourne, Dijkstra said:

“I’ve really been enjoying my time in Melbourne. I’m playing for Brighton Cricket Club, along with a few other Merrion CC lads. It’s been going well so far on the field – the standard is very high and it’s an enjoyable challenge. However, much of my time during the week is working with the International Cricket Programme. I’ve been fortunate to work with an amazing group of experienced coaches, including Ian Holland [current professional with Leicestershire County Cricket Club], Rob Quiney [former Australian international] and Bryce McGain, a specialist spin coach who has represented both Victoria and Australia. The facilities are excellent and I’m learning a lot.

“Off the field, I enjoyed attending the Melbourne Cup Day races and some cricket at the MCG.  It’s a great city with so much to explore.”

Given his involvement and achievements so far for Ireland Under-19s, Dublin-born Dijkstra is in the squad for the ICC U19 Men’s Cricket World Cup in January:

“Being part of the Ireland Under-19s squad has been hugely beneficial. It’s a very competitive squad of players, which has pushed me to keep improving in all aspects of the game. Being part of the squad has given me the opportunity to benefit from high-quality coaching and a strong development programme. We have also had the fantastic opportunity to tour and play against top quality opposition including England, Bangladesh and Zimbabwe in a range of different conditions.

“It will mean everything to represent my country at a World Cup and compete against some of the best players in the world. It’s going to be an incredible privilege, and I have really looked up to the achievements of the previous groups of players.”

Initially brought into the Irish underage system as a leg-spinner, Dijkstra has worked hard at his batting in recent years with some great coaches:

“I have been fortunate to work with many great coaches. These have included Pete Johnston, Albert van der Merwe and Nigel Jones who have really helped me over the years. When I was at Glenwood High School in South Africa for a term during TY, I had a great coach Zayne Bux who spent hours with me in the nets and really made an impact on my game both technically and mentally.”

Dijkstra earliest cricket memory was around the age of five when he took part in a kids ‘Milo Cricket Camp’ in Perth, Australia when his family had moved to for a couple of years. When the family returned to Ireland, Dijkstra joined Merrion Cricket Club where he is still playing. As a leg-spinner he says that he always admired Shane Warne’s abilities, but closer to home it is Ed Joyce who credits as a role model.

Dijkstra tried his hand at rugby, hockey and golf growing up, but has chosen cricket as his main sport these days, and he hasn’t looked back:

“I love the constant challenge of cricket, the countries you get to visit and the friendships you create. One of my most memorable days playing cricket was the second Youth ODI of our tour to Zimbabwe this year. Although I didn’t manage to get the team over the line [Dijkstra top-scored with 65], it was an incredible experience leading a run-chase at the historic Harare Sports Club.”