Australia named a powerhouse squad on Tuesday to defend its women’s Twenty20 World Cup title, spearheaded by Meg Lanning, Ellyse Perry and a fit-again Alyssa Healy.
Australia named a powerhouse squad on Tuesday to defend its women’s Twenty20 World Cup title, spearheaded by Meg Lanning, Ellyse Perry and a fit-again Alyssa Healy.
The five-time champions are heavy favourites for the tournament in South Africa next month with its ranks boosted further by the return of leg-spinner Georgia Wareham after a long injury-related layoff.
Wicketkeeper Healy has been struggling with calf problem suffered in December in India, but was also named in the 15-women squad and is expected to play
Australia crushed India by 85 runs in front of more than 86,000 fans at the Melbourne Cricket Ground to win the T20 World Cup in 2020.
Lanning once again leads the side after ending an indefinite months-long break late last month, allaying fears that she had played her last international. The record-breaking 30-year-old has announced she will retire from the game in August to “focus on herself” after leading Australia to a frenetic winning streak.
“It’s always difficult to limit a roster to 15 players, but I’m confident we’ve picked a well-rounded squad,” said her national team’s Sean Flegler.
“It was exciting to see Meg and Georgia back in action for Victoria as they both bring a wealth of experience to the group and are always important in major tournaments.
“Georgia in particular has had a terrible injury streak, but she has shown a lot of resilience and her return is a real boost for the team.”
Australia will begin its World Cup defense against New Zealand on 12 February before pool matches against Bangladesh, Sri Lanka and South Africa. Australia warm up in a one-day series against T20 at home and Pakistan before moving to South Africa.
Australia squad: Meg Lanning (capt), Alyssa Healy, 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