Photo Credit: Sydney Sixers
The Cricket Australia National Selection Panel (NSP) has announced a 15-player squad for the Australian Women’s Team’s upcoming five-match T20I series in India.
Phoebe Litchfield, Kim Garth and Heather Graham are in line to make their T20I debuts, with Litchfield and Garth named in their first Australian squad.
Recently appointed vice-captain, Alyssa Healy will lead the side with Meg Lanning still unavailable, while all-rounder, Tahlia McGrath has been named vice-captain for the series.
The squad is:
Alyssa Healy (NSW/Sydney CC) – Captain
Tahlia McGrath (SA/Glenelg CC) – Vice-captain
Darcie Brown (SA/Northern Districts CC)
Nicola Carey (TAS/North Hobart CC)
Ashleigh Gardner (NSW/Bankstown CC)
Kim Garth (VIC/Dandenong CC)
Heather Graham (TAS/Clarence CC)
Grace Harris (QLD/Western Suburbs CC)
Jess Jonassen (QLD/Valleys District CC)
Alana King (WA/Midland Guildford CC)
Phoebe Litchfield (NSW/Penrith CC)
Beth Mooney (WA/Sandgate-Redcliffe CC [QLD])
Ellyse Perry (VIC/Dandenong CC)
Megan Schutt (SA/Sturt CC)
Annabel Sutherland (VIC/Prahan CC)
Australia’s Head of Performance (Women’s Cricket) and National Selector, Shawn Flegler said:
“These five matches form an important part of the team’s preparations for the upcoming T20 World Cup in South Africa as well as providing an opportunity for some players to gain some experience in Indian conditions.
“India will be a good test; they’re a strong side and the two teams have had some good battles in recent times.
“Without Meg and Rachael, this series will provide opportunities for players particularly in the top order, so we’re looking forward to seeing who puts their hand up.
“It’s pleasing to have been able to reward Phoebe, Kim and Heather for strong form throughout the WBBL and hopefully they get the chance to show what they can do at some stage during the series.
“We’ve had an eye on Phoebe for a while and she’s really taken her game to the next level this summer. She’s made her mark at the top of the order for the Sydney Thunder and we’re looking forward to seeing what she can do in Australian colours.
“Kim’s another who’s been in our thinking, she’s had a couple of strong seasons with the ball and adds extra depth to our pace bowling stocks.
“Heather hasn’t had many opportunities to break into the side, but she’s toiled away with both bat and ball in domestic cricket. She adds depth to the middle order and provides Shelley and Alyssa with another pace bowling option.
“Alyssa will get the chance to lead the side in Meg’s absence which is exciting, and Tahlia will no doubt take plenty from being her deputy. She’s worked hard on developing that side of her game and thoroughly deserves the opportunity.”
Australia will depart for India on 4 December ahead of the first T20I on 9 December.
All five matches will be broadcast live on Fox Cricket via Foxtel and Kayo.
Fixture
1st T20I: Friday, 9 December, DY Patil Stadium, Mumbai, 7pm local time/12:30am AEDT
2nd T20I: Sunday, 11 December, DY Patil Stadium, Mumbai, 7pm local time/12:30am AEDT
3rd T20I: Wednesday, 14 December, Brabourne Stadium, Mumbai, 7pm local time/12:30am AEDT
4th T20I: Saturday, 17 December, Brabourne Stadium, Mumbai, 7pm local time/12:30am AEDT
5th T20I: Tuesday, 20 December, Brabourne Stadium, Mumbai, 7pm local time/12:30am AEDT
