Cricket Australia (CA) has named a 15-member squad for the upcoming Women’s T20 World Cup in South Africa, starting February 10. The same outfit will also play against Pakistan in the home three-match T20I series ahead of the global showpiece event.
The team will be captained by Meg Lanning, who is set to make her international comeback against Pakistan next week following her break from the game. Wicket-keeper Alyssa Healy is expected to be fit for the multi-team event after suffering a calf strain in India so does veteran spinner Jess Jonassen who recently made her comeback after a hamstring injury.
“Alyssa and Jess [Jonassen] are expected to be fully fit and firing after minor injuries as well, so we’ve got a full-strength squad with plenty of variety with both bat and ball if required,” said national selector Shawn Flegler in an official statement.
Further, leg-spinner Georgia Wareham has also been recalled to Australia’s squad for their title defence. Notably, Wareham has returned to action for Victoria after more than a year following an ACL injury in October 2021. She has a remarkable record in the shortest format for Australia, taking 36 wickets at 13.52 and an economy of 5.80 in 35 matches.
“Seeing Meg and Georgia back in action for Victoria has been exciting. Both 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,” Flegler added.
Australia squad for T20 World Cup and home series against Pakistan:
Meg Lanning (captain), Alyssa Healy (VC & WK), 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.
