Jess Jonassen left out of Australia's Women's T20 WC squad
Darcie Brown has made a successful recovery from her foot injury, securing a spot in Australia's squad for the upcoming ICC Women's T20 World Cup. However, the team will be without spinner Jess Jonassen. The 15-player team was announced by Cricket Australia on August 26, with Brown being the only new addition since Australia's last T20I series in March. The young player will join forces with Tayla Vlaeminck. Here are further details.
Australia's T20 World Cup squad: Key details
The same Australian squad will also compete in three T20Is against New Zealand in Mackay and Brisbane next month, with all-rounder Heather Graham joining the team. The ICC is yet to confirm an updated schedule for the World Cup since relocating the event from Bangladesh to the United Arab Emirates last week. Vlaeminck is preparing for her first World Cup since 2018, after missing several tournaments due to injury.
Molineux and Harris make a comeback
Sophie Molineux, a left-arm spinner, is set to participate in an ICC event for the first time since her standout performance at the MCG in 2020. This comes after she had to withdraw from The Hundred due to an acute rib fracture. Grace Harris, who also missed the English 100-ball competition due to a calf injury, has recovered and secured her place in the squad.
Litchfield and Jonassen: Rising star and missed opportunity
Rising batter Phoebe Litchfield is set to participate in her first ICC tournament. Meanwhile, Jonassen was unable to secure a spot in Australia's squad despite her impressive performance in the Women's Premier League and The Hundred. The 31-year-old spinner, who has taken more T20I wickets than any other Australian spinner, last played an international game in October 2023 before being dropped for the March white-ball tour of Bangladesh.
Australia's preparation for T20 World Cup
Australia will face NZ in three @T20Is next month, just before their departure for Dubai. The change in World Cup host due to ongoing civil unrest in Bangladesh, presents a new challenge for the Australians who have never played a senior international match in the Emirates. "This is the first time in a long time we've had our entire contract list available for selection ahead of a World Cup," said selection chief Shawn Flegler.
Tremendous record
The preceding edition in 2023 saw Australia lift the Women's T20 World Cup title for the sixth time. They had reached their seventh final in the Women's T20 WC. The Aussies were the runners-up in the 2016 edition when West Indies lifted the trophy. Meanwhile, Australia won their other titles in 2010, 2012, 2014, 2018, and 2020.
Here is the squad
Australia's squad for 2024 ICC Women's T20 World Cup: Alyssa Healy (C), Darcie Brown, Ash Gardner, Kim Garth, Grace Harris, Alana King, Phoebe Litchfield, Tahlia McGrath (VC), Sophie Molineux, Beth Mooney, Ellyse Perry, Megan Schutt, Annabel Sutherland, Georgia Wareham, Tayla Vlaeminck
