New Delhi, 26 August (HS). Darcy Brown has recovered from a stress fracture of the foot and has now joined Australia's 15-player squad for the T20 World Cup. The team has been shifted from Bangladesh to UAE.
Jess Jonassen, who was left out of the Bangladesh tour earlier this year, is missing out on a World Cup for the first time while she was available for selection.
The team has 15 players, led by Alyssa Healy. Australia is hoping to win four consecutive T20 titles. Brown will be accompanied by Tella Vlaeminck, who will provide Australia with two additional bowlers. Phoebe Litchfield will play her first World Cup.
National selector Shawn Flegler said, “This is the first time in a long time that we have had our entire contract list available for selection ahead of the World Cup and this has resulted in a really stable and balanced squad.”
“This is the first time Alyssa will be leading the charge at a World Cup and we have already seen what she and Tahlia bring from a leadership perspective, so it is exciting for them to have this opportunity to lead their country on the biggest stage. Phoebe is a real X-factor for us and will be well supported by an experienced group in her first World Cup. The fast bowling pair of Tayla and Darcy is one we have been looking to land for some time and it is a real point of difference for us,” he added.
Jonassen, who has been a vital part of Australia's teams for the past 10 years, had the door left open for her to return to the set-up during this season, which includes the Ashes series.
“Jess Jonassen was again unfortunate to miss the World Cup, but we are impressed with the way she has bounced back and we will keep an eye on her form ahead of the home summer,” Flegler said.
The squad selected for the World Cup will also play three T20 matches against New Zealand next month, which also includes all-rounder Heather Graham, who will not travel to the UAE.
Australia Women's T20 World Cup Squad-
Alyssa Healy (captain), Darcy Brown, Ashleigh Gardner, Kim Garth, Grace Harris, Alana King, Phoebe Litchfield, Tahlia McGrath, Sophie Molineux, Beth Mooney, Ellyse Perry, Megan Schutt, Annabel Sutherland, Georgia Wareham, Tyla Vlaeminck.