Australia’s women’s cricket team have today named the 15-player squad they’ll be using for the upcoming T20 World Cup, as well as a T20 tri-series against England and India across February and March.
The squad is largely free of surprises, although the inclusion of 18-year-old allrounder Annabel Sutherland over the likes of Molly Strano and Belinda Vakarewa has raised some eyebrows.
Sophie Molineux also makes her welcome return to the side after missing some time with mental health and shoulder issues.
“This was an incredibly difficult side to pick with selectors looking at the overall mix of the squad and the roles required, and we feel we’ve got great cover for all teams and scenarios,” said national selector Shawn Flegler.
“We’ve had a really stable squad over the last few years and having players such as Molly Strano, Tahlia McGrath, Belinda Vakarewa and Heather Graham miss out illustrates the depth of Australian Cricket. All four of these players are really unlucky to miss out but at the same time could come into the side at any stage and play a role.
“We’re really pleased for Annabel Sutherland, who has been playing domestic cricket for a few years now … she has progressed significantly over the past few months. Anyone who has seen her play will know how special a talent she is,” he said.
The Southern Stars will play a one-off fixture against the Cricket Australia XI on Monday, January 27, before launching into the T20 tri-series and World Cup preparation.
Meg Lanning (c), Rachael Haynes (vc), Erin Burns, Nicola Carey, Ashleigh Gardner, Alyssa Healy, Jess Jonassen, Delissa Kimmince, Sophie Molineux, Beth Mooney, Ellyse Perry, Megan Schutt, Annabel Sutherland, Tayla Vlaeminck, Georgia Wareham
All times AEDT
T20 Tri-Series
Sat Feb 1, 2:10pm – vs England at Manuka Oval, Canberra
Sun Feb 2, 2:10pm – vs India at Manuka Oval, Canberra
Sat Feb 8, 2:10pm – vs India at Junction Oval, Melbourne
Sun Feb 9, 2:10pm – vs England at Junction Oval, Melbourne
World Cup warm-ups
Sat Feb 15, 3pm – vs West Indies at Allan Border Field, Brisbane
Tue Feb 18, 11am – vs South Africa at Karen Rolton Oval, Adelaide
Women’s T20 World Cup
Fri Feb 21, 7pm – vs India at Sydney Showground Stadium
Mon Feb 24, 6pm – vs Sri Lanka at WACA Ground, Perth
Mon Mar 2, 3pm – vs New Zealand at Junction Oval, Melbourne
dan ced
Guest
As much as I advocated for Molineux to be in the squad last year, I don't think she's played enough cricket to get in over other form players. Strano yes, perhaps my Strikers bias wants Wellington in the squad too over others.
Dutski
Roar Guru
Strano is a bit unlucky - she's been in great form this summer. Really well balanced squad. I always feel like so much rests on Schutt from a fast bowling point of view. The spin options are endless! Trying hard to spot a weakness... maybe overconfidence?