Henry pictured in full swing on the squash court.
Parkes High student Henry Cross was notified by Sqaush Australia in early February of his selection in the Australian Squad to take on New Zealand in the 2026 TransTasman Test Match from 10-11 April 2026 in Melbourne, with the official announcement being made last week.
“Australia is looking to go three in a row for the first time ever in a Test Match against New Zealand. We will play in Melbourne in April, and I will be the Australian #1 Under 17 boy. This will then be followed on by the Australian Junior Open and Oceania Junior Championship – so I am looking at around 12 days straight of competition, plus an Aussie Squad training the day before,” said Henry.
This will be Henry’s third time representing Australia. Henry first represented Australia in 2023 in U/15 and competed in New Zealand, but the Aussie team lost overall.
Then again in 2024, where he won both his matches in the U/15 and the Aussie team won the test match.
When asked how he was planning to prepare in the lead up, Henry said: “Lots of fitness and on court work. I will work with my dad (who is my coach) and Jason at Parkes Athletic to make sure I’m ready.”
Henry has set himself some big goals for 2026, saying: “Making Australia Under 17’s was my first, but I also am aiming to make the All Schools Team and looking to trial for the Under 19 World Junior Team. I have also just started Year 11 at Parkes High, so am looking to keep my marks up to keep options open for after school is also a big focus this year.”