Photo Credit: Sydney Sixers
The Cricket Australia National Selection Panel (NSP) has today announced a 13-player squad for Australia’s three One-Day Internationals against Pakistan from 16-21 January in Brisbane and Sydney.
Captain Meg Lanning returns from an extended period of leave, while vice-captain, Alyssa Healy will miss the series after suffering a right calf strain during Australia’s T20 series in India. All-rounder Tahlia McGrath will act as Lanning’s deputy throughout the series.
The squad is:
Meg Lanning (VIC/Box Hill 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)
Jess Jonassen (QLD/Valleys CC) *subject to fitness
Alana King (WA/Midland Guildford CC)
Phoebe Litchfield (NSW/Penrith CC)
Beth Mooney (WA/Sandgate-Redcliff CC)
Ellyse Perry (VIC/Dandenong CC)
Megan Schutt (SA/Sturt CC)
Annabel Sutherland (VIC/Prahran CC)
Speaking on the squad, National Selector, Shawn Flegler said:
“The squad is very similar to the one that travelled to India recently, with the addition of Meg who returns from an extended break.
“Meg brings so much to the side both on and off the field, and it’s pleasing to welcome her back at such an important time with the T20 World Cup just over a month away.
“The Indian series allowed us to blood some new talent and it’s pleasing to be able to retain Kim and Phoebe for this series.
“Heather Graham, Amanda-Jade Wellington and Grace Harris unfortunately miss out; however, they all remain in contention for selection for the T20 leg of the tour and T20 World Cup.
“While we welcome Meg back, Alyssa won’t have recovered from her calf injury in time, so that presents an opportunity for Beth to take the gloves in her absence.
“Jess Jonassen will need to prove her fitness after suffering a hamstring injury in India, but we’re hopeful she’ll be fit in time for the series.”
A squad for the following three T20Is against Pakistan and the upcoming ICC Women’s T20 World Cup in South Africa will be announced in due course.
A 12-player squad for the annual Governor-General’s XI fixture has also been confirmed, with the side to play Pakistan in a 50-over match on 13 January at Allan Border Field in Brisbane.
The NSP, in conjunction with the Governor-General, His Excellency General the Honourable David Hurley AC DSC (Retd), has named the following squad including Able Seaman Charlee Masters.
Masters, a highly regarded medium pace bowler, has been selected to represent the Australian Defence Force; her selection continues a long-standing association with the ADF and provides the opportunity for eligible serving personnel to participate in the match.
Able Seaman Charlee Masters – Australian Defence Force
Lauren Cheatle (NSW/Campbelltown-Camden CC)
Tess Flintoff (VIC/Ringwood CC)
Ashleigh Gardner (NSW/Bankstown CC)
Heather Graham (TAS/Clarence CC)
Charli Knott (QLD/University of Queensland CC)
Phoebe Litchfield (NSW/Penrith CC)
Courtney Sippel (QLD/Western Suburbs CC)
Rachel Trenaman (TAS/Clarence CC)
Georgia Voll (QLD/Sandgate-Redcliffe CC
Amanda-Jade Wellington (SA/West Torrens CC)
Tahlia Wilson (NSW/ St George-Sutherland CC)
Speaking on the squad, Flegler said:
“This annual fixture presents a great opportunity to see some of the brightest young cricketers take on an international opposition and Pakistan will be a great test for the side this year.
“The talent in this squad shows the depth in the women’s game in Australia, which is a testament to the role the underage talent pathway and domestic tournaments are playing in the development of our next generation of players.
“It’s pleasing to be able to reward those players who have been impressing in domestic cricket and give some up-and-coming players the chance to show what they can do at the next level.”
The Governor-General said he was delighted the match could return after the COVID-19 pandemic, and looked forward to being able to showcase the best of emerging talent in Australian and Pakistani cricket.
“The GG’s XI pits some of Australia’s best young cricketers against their counterparts from around the world, and it is especially pleasing to be able to once again host this exciting, enjoyable event.”
Fixtures
13 January: Governor-General’s XI v Pakistan, 10:05am, Allan Border Field, Brisbane
16 January: 1st ODI, 10:05am, Allan Border Field, Brisbane
18 January: 2nd ODI, 10:05am, Allan Border Field, Brisbane
21 January: 3rd ODI, 10:05am, Australia v Pakistan, North Sydney Oval, Sydney
*All times are local
