Australia Women announce their 15-player squad for the T20I series against Pakistan and the 2023 ICC Women’s T20 World Cup.
ICC Women’s T20 World Cup in South Africa:-
The Australians have surprised many with the selection of leg-spinner Georgia Wareham for the ICC Women’s T20 World Cup in South Africa.
Following a long-term injury to leg-spinner Georgia Wareham, Australia has made headlines with their team selection for the ICC Women’s T20 World Cup in South Africa. Wareham replaced Nicola Carey as a member of the group that beat India 4-1 late last year in the T20I series, beating out Amanda-Jade Wellington for a place in the team.
As a result of the rupture of her ACL in October 2021, Wareham has not played a T20 match since her return to cricket was limited to 50-over matches in the Women’s National Cricket League. The other spin option in the predicted squad is all-rounder Ash Gardner, while fellow leg-spinner Alana King looks set to start.
Healy Was Named Despite Calf Strain:
Alyssa Healy has been named despite having missed several matches on the India tour due to a calf strain sustained during the tour. Phoebe Litchfield has been dropped due to the return of captain Meg Lanning. However, the Australian T20 World Cup defense and bilateral T20I series against Pakistan will not be affected by Healy’s absence in the upcoming three ODIs at home against Pakistan.
Australia’s national selector Sean Flegler acknowledged that there was a lot of talent in the pool, making selection difficult.
“Meg and Georgia bring a wealth of experience to the group, which is always important during major tournaments.”
Major Boost for the Australian Side:-
“Georgia in particular has suffered with injuries but has shown a lot of resilience and her return is a real boost to the side.”
There will be nine members of Australia’s winning 2020 World Cup squad on their maiden tour of the T20 World Cup, including Tahlia McGrath, Darcy Brown, and Heather Graham. The Australian team began its World Cup defense on 12 February against New Zealand, ahead of games against Bangladesh, Sri Lanka, and the hosts.
Pakistan Women’s Tour of Australia
As a last practice before the World Cup, the team will play a T20 series against Pakistan. Australian national selector Shawn Flegler acknowledged that Australia’s players are very strong.
“It’s always tough to narrow a squad down to just 15 players, but we’re confident we’ve picked a well-balanced side that’s well placed for the series against Pakistan and ready to challenge for a third consecutive T20 title.
“Meg and Georgia bring a wealth of experience to the group, which is always crucial during major tournaments.
“Georgia in particular has had a tough run of injuries, but she’s shown a great deal of resilience and her return is a real boost for the side.”
Australian Squad:
Meg Lanning (C), Alyssa Healy (VC), Darcie Brown, Ashleigh Gardner, Kim Garth, Heather Graham, Grace Harris, Jess Jonassen, Alana King, Tahlia McGrath, Beth Mooney, Ellyse Perry, Megan Schutt, Annabel Sutherland, Georgia Wareham