Australia women have announced two squads for their upcoming ODI series against India and New Zealand, scheduled to run from December 5 to 23. The team will host India in a three-match series before heading to New Zealand for another set of three ODIs.
Alyssa Healy to miss the India ODIs
Regular captain Alyssa Healy, recovering from a knee injury, will miss the India ODIs but is expected to return for the New Zealand matches. In her absence, Tahlia McGrath will lead the side, supported by seasoned all-rounder Ashleigh Gardner.
One of the major highlights of the selection is the inclusion of Georgia Voll, who earned her maiden call-up for the India series. 21-year-old Voll has been in stellar form this season, ranking among the top run-scorers in both the Women’s Big Bash League (WBBL) 2024 and the Women’s National Cricket League (WNCL) 2024/25.
Cricket Australia’s Head of Performance (Women’s Cricket) and National Selector, Shawn Flegler, emphasized the significance of these ODIs in the lead-up to next year’s Ashes and ICC Women’s Cricket World Cup.
“We’ve selected an experienced squad with a clear focus on building towards the Ashes and World Cup,” Flegler said in her official statement.
“Georgia Voll’s consistent performances this summer highlight her potential, and her pairing with Phoebe Litchfield at the top of the order will provide her with a great opportunity to adapt to the international stage.”
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Flegler also praised McGrath’s leadership, noting her ability to thrive in challenging conditions, and expressed optimism about Healy’s availability for the New Zealand series.
“The decision for Alyssa Healy to miss the India series was made with a longer-term view to the Ashes, with her availability for the New Zealand series to become clearer over the next few weeks,” he added.
“Tahlia McGrath impressed as captain in tough conditions during the World Cup and will have strong support from Ash Gardner who has developed into a strong leader within the side, both on and off the field.”
Australia women’s squad for India ODIs:
Tahlia McGrath (c), Darcie Brown, Ashleigh Gardner, Kim Garth, Alana King, Phoebe Litchfield, Sophie Molineux, Beth Mooney, Ellyse Perry, Megan Schutt, Annabel Sutherland, Georgia Wareham, Georgia Voll
Australia women’s squad for New Zealand ODIs:
Alyssa Healy (c), Darcie Brown, Ashleigh Gardner, Kim Garth, Alana King, Phoebe Litchfield, Tahlia McGrath, Sophie Molineux, Beth Mooney, Ellyse Perry, Megan Schutt, Annabel Sutherland, Georgia Wareham
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This article was first published at WomenCricket.com, a Cricket Times company.