The Cricket Australia has named a 14-player One-Day International and 14-player T20 INTL squad ahead of the Australian Women’s Cricket Team’s tour to India in March.
Australia will contest three ODI’s against World Cup finalists India as part of the ICC Women’s Championship which leads toward automatic qualification to the 2021 ICC Women’s World Cup for the top four placed teams.
Following the ODIs, England will join the two sides for a T20 Tri-Series which culminates in a final on 31 March.
Australian One-Day International squad for Tour of India
Meg Lanning, VIC (c)
Rachael Haynes, NSW (vc)
Nicole Bolton, WA
Nicola Carey, NSW
Ashleigh Gardner, SA
Alyssa Healy, NSW
Jess Jonassen, QLD
Sophie Molineux, VIC
Beth Mooney, QLD
Ellyse Perry, NSW
Megan Schutt, SA
Belinda Vakarewa, NSW
Elyse Villani, WA
Amanda-Jade Wellington, SA
Australian T20 INTL Tri-Series squad
Meg Lanning, Perth Scorchers (c)
Rachael Haynes, Sydney Thunder (vc)
Nicola Carey, Sydney Thunder
Ashleigh Gardner, Sydney Sixers
Alyssa Healy, Sydney Sixers
Jess Jonassen, Brisbane Heat
Delissa Kimmince, Brisbane Heat
Sophie Molineux, Melbourne Renegades
Beth Mooney, Brisbane Heat
Ellyse Perry, Sydney Sixers
Megan Schutt, Adelaide Strikers
Naomi Stalenberg, Sydney Thunder
Elyse Villani, Perth Scorchers
Amanda-Jade Wellington, Adelaide Strikers
Captain Meg Lanning returns to the side having recovered from a shoulder injury, with Rachael Haynes named vice-captain following the retirement of Alex Blackwell.
Young Victorian all-rounder Sophie Molineux has a chance to make her Australian debut, whilst New South Wales duo Nicola Carey and Naomi Stalenberg have been recalled after their impressive domestic seasons.
South Australian all-rounder Tahlia McGrath was unavailable for selection after scans showed a recurrence of bone oedema in her lumbar spine.
“Sophie is a really exciting youngster that has shown immense talent as a batter and spin bowler and someone who the selectors have had their eyes on for a while," National Selector Shawn Flegler said.
“We’ve been pleased with the progress of Naomi and Belinda this season, they’ve both had a taste of playing at an international level and this tour will give them the chance to impress and benefit from an overseas tour.
“There’s no doubt this is going to be a really tough tour against an India side who is playing some great cricket and of course the World Champions England.
"The ODIs are crucial in terms of World Cup qualification and the tri-series will give us a good indication of where the team is at with the T20 game," he said.
“It’ll be a changing of the guard as such with the retirement of Alex not only in terms of skill, but as a leader and a wonderful team person. She’s been outstanding for a long period of time but there’s now the chance for others to step up and fill that void."
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