Australia Women’s T20 World Cup Squad: Cricket Australia announced a power-packed squad for the upcoming ICC T20 World Cup 2023 scheduled to play in South Africa from 10 to 26 February 2023.
Australia Women’s T20 World Cup Squad
Nine members of Australia’s triumphant 2020 squad will feature in their trophy defence, with the likes of Tahlia McGrath, Darcie Brown and Heather Graham all on their first T20 World Cup tour.
The selection board surprised everyone by naming leg-spinner Georgia Wareham after a lengthy injury layoff.
Wareham beat out leg-spinner Amanda-Jade Wellington to a spot in the squad, replacing Nicola Carey in the group that defeated India 4-1 in a T20I series late last year.
Wareham has not played a T20 match since rupturing her ACL in October 2021, with her only match practice upon her return coming through the Women’s National Cricket League 50-over competition.
Leg-spinner Alana King looks to be the preferred choice in the starting XI, with all-rounder Ash Gardner the other spin option in the predicted team. National selector Shawn Flegler admitted the overall strength in Australia’s pool of players makes selection difficult.
“It’s always tough to narrow a squad down to just 15 players, but we’re confident we’ve picked a well-balanced side that’s well placed for the series against Pakistan and ready to challenge for a third consecutive T20 title.
“Meg and Georgia 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.”
Australia will play their first match on 12 February against New Zealand, before group games against Bangladesh, Sri Lanka and hosts South Africa. READ: ICC Women’s T20 World Cup 2023 Squad for All Teams With Reserves Players List
Australia Squad
Meg Lanning (c), Alyssa Healy (vc), 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