Australia names squad for homecoming
The Cricket Australia National Selection Panel (NSP) has today named a 14-player squad for next month’s NRMA Insurance Women’s International Series against Bangladesh and New Zealand as Australia returns to the field for the first time since claiming a historic seventh ICC Women’s T20 World Cup title.
Captain Sophie Molineux has been named in both the ODI and T20 sides, however her involvement will continue to be assessed as she recovers from a hip injury, while Lucy Hamilton will miss the ODI series due to a mild quad strain and Darcie Brown is unavailable due to a back injury.
Australia and Bangladesh will play three One-Day Internationals at Allan Border Field from October 9-14 October as part of the ICC Women’s Championship. Australia has won all three Championships and is the only undefeated nation in the current cycle.
North Sydney Oval will then host Australia and 2024 ICC Women’s T20 World Cup winners, New Zealand for three T20Is, with the series an important opportunity for both sides to fine tune their T20 game ahead of the inaugural ICC Women’s Champions Trophy in India in February.
*Australia squad*
Nicola Carey (TAS / Hobart Hurricanes / North Hobart CC)
Ashleigh Gardner (NSW / Sydney Sixers / Bankstown CC) – vice-captain
Kim Garth (VIC / Melbourne Stars / Dandenong CC)
Lucy Hamilton (QLD / Brisbane Heat / Sunshine Coast CC) *T20I only
Alana King (WA / Perth Scorchers / Midland Guildford CC)
Phoebe Litchfield (NSW / Sydney Thunder / Sydney University CC)
Tahlia McGrath (SA / Adelaide Strikers / Glenelg CC) – vice-captain
Sophie Molineux (VIC / Melbourne Renegades / Dandenong Cricket Club) – captain
Beth Mooney (WA / Perth Scorchers / Sandgate-Redcliffe CC)
Ellyse Perry (NSW / Sydney Sixers)
Megan Schutt (SA / Adelaide Strikers / Sturt CC)
Annabel Sutherland (VIC / Melbourne Stars / Prahran CC)
Georgia Voll (QLD / Sydney Thunder / Sandgate-Redcliffe District CC)
Georgia Wareham (VIC / Melbourne Renegades / Essendon Maribyrnong Park CC)
*National Selector, Shawn Flegler said:*
“These six matches will provide a great challenge for the side following the World Cup, with both Bangladesh and New Zealand presenting different challenges.
“Bangladesh will be a really good test, particularly with the quality they have in their bowling attack. It’s also a great opportunity for our batters to get exposure to subcontinent-style bowling ahead of the Champions Trophy in India.
“Sophie has been named in the squad but has been managing a hip injury, so her involvement in the series will continue to be assessed over the coming days.
“Lucy suffered a mild quad strain at training, but we’re hopeful she’ll recover in time to be fit and firing for the T20 series.
“Darcie was assessed on her return home from the Australia A tour to India and has a back injury. Her availability for the Women’s Big Bash will be determined over the coming weeks.
“With the T20 squad reduced in size and limited opportunities during the World Cup, Grace Harris is unlucky to miss out on selection but remains in the frame moving forward.”
All matches will be shown live on Seven, 7Plus, Kayo Sports and Foxtel.
NRMA Insurance Women’s ODI Series v Bangladesh
Friday, October 9: Allan Border Field (D/N)
Sunday October 11: Allan Border Field (D/N)
Wednesday, October 14: Allan Border Field (D/N)
All matches start at 1:50pm AEST
NRMA Insurance Women’s T20 Series v New Zealand
Sunday, October 18: North Sydney Oval
Tuesday, October 20: North Sydney Oval
Thursday, October 22: North Sydney Oval
All matches start at 7.15pm AEST
