Cricket Australia has unveiled a squad comprising 16 members for the upcoming tour of India. The Australian women’s team is scheduled to participate in a test match, three one-day internationals, and three T20Is in January.
In January, the Australian women’s team is gearing up for an exciting series, set to unfold across two distinct venues in Mumbai. The prestigious Wankhede Stadium is slated to host the test match and ODI encounters, while the dynamic DY Patil Stadium will be the backdrop for three exhilarating T20Is. What adds an extra layer of anticipation is that this series marks Australia’s maiden venture post the retirement of their stalwart, Meg Lanning.
Meg Lanning, the captain who has been a cornerstone of the Australian women’s cricket team, bid farewell to international cricket earlier this month. Cricket Australia, however, is yet to reveal the successor to this cricketing icon. The announcement of the new captain is eagerly awaited and is expected to be made before the commencement of the upcoming tour.
To fine-tune their game ahead of the series against the Indian women’s team, the Australians have planned warm-up matches against local teams. December will witness one such preparatory clash, adding a crucial element to their pre-tour preparations. The stage is set, the players are ready, and cricket enthusiasts are in for a riveting series that promises to be a spectacle of skill and sportsmanship.
After a hiatus of four years, New South Wales standout Lauren Cheatle is set to make a comeback in international cricket. The left-arm pacemaker showcased her prowess in the Women’s Big Bash League, contributing significantly to the Sydney Sixers with an impressive haul of 19 wickets in 10 matches. Shawn Flegler, Cricket Australia’s head of women’s cricket and national selector, expressed that Cheatle has successfully overcome a substantial injury setback and has rightfully earned her spot in the team.
Flegler added, “Lauren has playing experience in India and provides another fast-bowling option, particularly in regard to the Test match, which is the format she has been selected for.”
Alyssa Healy, the Australian wicket-keeper, recently suffered a finger injury from a dog bite. Despite this, she has been included in the squad for the upcoming Indian tour, with the team management expressing confidence that she will recover in time for the series.
Flegler stated, “Alyssa Healy’s finger is healing but remains in a splint, and our medical team is continuing to monitor her recovery closely. We’re obviously very hopeful she will be available for the test.”
Australia’s Test and T20I squad
Darcie Brown, Lauren Cheatle (Test only), Heather Graham, Ashleigh Gardner, Kim Garth, Grace Harris (T20I only), Alyssa Healy, Jess Jonassen, Alana King, Phoebe Litchfield, Tahlia McGrath, Beth Mooney, Ellyse Perry, Megan Schutt, Annabel Sutherland, Georgia Wareham
