The Cricket Australia ³Ô¹ÏÍøÕ¾ Selection Panel (NSP) has announced the following 18-player squad for the Commonwealth Bank T20I and ODI series between Australia and New Zealand in September.
Meg Lanning (c) (VIC)
Rachael Haynes (vc) (NSW)
Maitlan Brown (ACT)
Erin Burns (NSW)
Nicola Carey (TAS)
Ashleigh Gardner (NSW)
Alyssa Healy (NSW)
Jess Jonassen (QLD)
Delissa Kimmince (QLD)
Tahlia McGrath (SA)
Sophie Molineux (VIC)
Beth Mooney (QLD)
Ellyse Perry (VIC) *subject to fitness
Megan Schutt (SA)
Molly Strano (VIC)
Annabel Sutherland (VIC)
Georgia Wareham (VIC)
Belinda Vakarewa (TAS)
The two sides will play three One-Day Internationals and three Twenty20 Internationals, with the coveted Rose Bowl Trophy up for grabs during the ODI series. Australia is the current holder of the Rose Bowl having defeated New Zealand 3-0 in their last encounter in 2019.
Speaking on the selection of the squad, ³Ô¹ÏÍøÕ¾ Selector Shawn Flegler said:
“We’ve selected a slightly larger squad than usual because of a number of COVID-related considerations and, with no matches leading in, players have been picked on performances both for Australia and Australia A over the last 12-to-24 months.
Speedster Tayla Vlaeminck was unavailable for selection while Ellyse Perry has been named subject to fitness.
“Tayla has had a slight setback in her return from the foot injury she suffered ahead of the T20 World Cup which means she’ll miss this series as well as this season’s rebel WBBL tournament. Our initial plans were to get her back for the 50-over World Cup in New Zealand but now that’s been postponed we’ll take a conservative approach with her and give her as much time as she needs to get her body right without the pressure of a timeframe.
“Tayla is your true tear-away quick which we love, but we need to make sure we look after her long-term future. She’s going to be a serious long-term player for Australia.
“Ellyse is progressing well from a significant hamstring injury and we want to give her every chance to be available for selection, so we’ll continue to monitor her progress over the coming weeks.
“The door has really opened for players like Maitlan, who joins the squad for the first time, and fellow fast-bowler Belinda who has previously represented Australia.
“Belinda only just missed out on T20 World Cup selection while Maitlan has impressed through her time in the ³Ô¹ÏÍøÕ¾ Performance Squad and Australia A
“It’s great to have Erin and Sophie back fit and firing as well. Those two will add extra depth to our spin attack and middle-order, as will Molly who’s a proven performer in the green and gold.
“Tahlia is in the mix to play her first match for Australia in a few years. She’s an extremely talented batter and up-and-coming leader so we look forward to seeing what she can do throughout this series.
“While there’s a host of experienced players in the squad, we’ve kept a strong view on the future and it’s really exciting to see so many younger players putting their hands up for ³Ô¹ÏÍøÕ¾ selection.
“In recent times we’ve seen the younger players like Georgia, Annabel, Sophie and Ashleigh step up and win games for Australia which is exactly what we want to see.
“New Zealand always present a great challenge and this series will be no different. While nothing is guaranteed in the current climate it’s pleasing to be able to prepare for a series like this and thanks must go to all the people working behind the scenes to make it possible.”
Speaking on the fitness of Vlaeminck, Australian Team Physiotherapist Kate Beerworth said:
“Tayla had a recurrence of right medial ankle pain three weeks ago as she was working through her rehab from the navicular stress fracture she sustained in February.
“Her recovery has been trending in right direction but it’s just not going to be soon enough for the demands on international cricket and a busy Big Bash schedule.
“The tricky nature of a navicular injury means it’s more a long-term play and we’ll be guided by Tayla’s symptoms as we look to get her back to full fitness.
“She’s only young and it’s important we look after her future, so we won’t rush anything.
The schedule for the series has matches in both New South Wales and Queensland but given the current COVID situation changes may be required. Cricket Australia will continue to work with relevant authorities and advise any changes.
The Series is once again proudly presented by Commonwealth Bank, continuing their longstanding support of the women’s game, at all levels in Australia.
