Australia Unveils Settled Squad for T20 World Cup Title Defense
Australia’s women’s cricket team has unveiled its 15-player squad for the upcoming T20 World Cup, which has been relocated to the United Arab Emirates (UAE) from Bangladesh. The squad, led by Alyssa Healy, features a blend of experience and youth, with the aim of securing a fourth consecutive T20 title.
Darcie Brown, who has recovered from a stress fracture of the foot, has earned a spot in the team, providing Australia with an additional pace option alongside Tayla Vlaeminck. Phoebe Litchfield, a rising star, will make her World Cup debut.
The squad is largely unchanged from the one that toured Bangladesh earlier this year, with the notable absence of Jess Jonassen. Jonassen, a key member of Australia’s team for over a decade, has been left out of the World Cup for the first time when available for selection.
National selector Shawn Flegler expressed confidence in the squad’s stability and balance, highlighting the leadership qualities of Healy and Tahlia McGrath. He also praised Litchfield’s potential and the pace duo of Brown and Vlaeminck.
Regarding Jonassen’s omission, Flegler acknowledged her misfortune but emphasized that the door remains open for her to regain her place in the team during the upcoming season, which includes an Ashes series.
The squad named for the World Cup will also participate in three T20Is against New Zealand next month, with the addition of allrounder Heather Graham, who will not travel to the UAE.
