DUBAI

West Indies Under-19s will bowl off their campaign in the Youth World Cup against former champions India when the tournament opens in Australia later this year. 

The Caribbean side, runners-up in 2004, will face the powerful Indians who won the title four years ago by beating South Africa in the final in Malaysia.

 Installed in Group C, West Indies' task should get easier as the tournament progresses as they face Papua New Guinea and Zimbabwe in their remaining first round matches. 

Defending champions Australia will launch their campaign against England in Group A that also includes Nepal and Ireland. 

The tournament, involving 16 teams, will run from August 11-26 in the state of Queensland and will be played across the three cities of Brisbane, Sunshine Coast and Townsville.

"Australia will be a testing yet great location for all ambitious cricketers wishing to groom their skills as they look to be world class players by the time of our flagship ICC Cricket World Cup in 2015," ICC chief executive Haroon Lorgat said.

Group B will see a battle among 2004 champions Pakistan, New Zealand, Scotland and Afghanistan while Group D comprises Sri Lanka, South Africa, Bangladesh and Namibia.