Five Victorians in the Australian squad to take on New Zealand

Meg Lanning, Elyse Villani, Sophie Molineux will be joined by Victorian leg-spinner Georgia Wareham and fast bowler Tayla Vlaeminck have been named in their first Australian side, whist spinner Jess Jonassen has been ruled out due to a knee injury sustained on the Gold Coast this week.

Selectors also named Molly Strano and Annabel Sutherland in a CA XI squad which will play both New Zealand and Australia in two fixtures on 27 September.

The squad is as follows (WBBL|03 club in brackets):

1. Nicola Carey (Sydney Thunder)
2. Ashleigh Gardner (Sydney Sixers)
3. Rachael Haynes (vc) (Sydney Thunder)
4. Alyssa Healy (Sydney Sixers)
5. Delissa Kimmince (Brisbane Heat)
6. Meg Lanning (c) (Perth Scorchers)
7. Sophie Molineux (Melbourne Renegades)
8. Beth Mooney (Brisbane Heat)
9. Ellyse Perry (Sydney Sixers)
10. Megan Schutt (Adelaide Strikers)
11. Elyse Villani (Perth Scorchers)
12. Tayla Vlaeminck (Melbourne Renegades)
13. Georgia Wareham (Melbourne Renegades)

Following selection of the squad, National Selector Shawn Flegler said:

“It’s pleasing to see young players such as Georgia and Tayla putting their hand up for selection, whilst they haven’t played a lot of domestic cricket Georgia has represented the Melbourne Renegades in the WBBL and both players have come through the player pathway, having taken part in the inaugural overseas Under 19 tour and been a part of the National Performance Squad this winter.

“We’re really fortunate with the depth we have in particular in the leg-spin department, and we feel that Georgia provides the full package that is required for T20 cricket, she’s an outstanding fielder and her bowling has really progressed over the last 12 months.

“Tayla is a little bit different to anyone else around the country, she’s been unlucky with injury over the last few years, but she’s come back and has performed at the right time. Tayla has the attributes to be that key strike bowler who can take early wickets, she’s young and competitive.”

Speaking on the omission of Jess Jonassen, Team Physiotherapist Kate Mahony said:

“Jess sustained a knee injury in Australia’s internal trial match on the Gold Coast this week. As a result she will undergo arthroscopic surgery later in the week, when we will have a better idea of her return to play timeframe.”

Selectors have also named a Cricket Australia XI to take on Australia and New Zealand in two respective T20 fixtures on 27 September. The squad is as follows:

1. Nicole Bolton (c) (Perth Scorchers)
2. Maitlan Brown (Melbourne Renegades)
3. Lauren Cheatle (Sydney Sixers)
4. Josie Dooley (Brisbane Heat – U18 Rookie)
5. Heather Graham (Perth Scorchers)
6. Tahlia McGrath (Adelaide Strikers)
7. Naomi Stalenberg (Sydney Thunder)
8. Molly Strano (Melbourne Renegades)
9. Annabel Sutherland (Melbourne Stars)
10. Rachel Trenaman (Sydney Thunder)
11. Belinda Vakarewa (Sydney Thunder)
12. Amanda-Jade Wellington (Adelaide Strikers)

Tickets to the season are available for $15 for adults, $10 for concession and free for kids*. Full prices for the season and details on how to buy tickets are available at www.cricket.com.au/tickets.

Commonwealth Bank Women’s T20 International Series Fixture
29 September: 1st T20, Australia v New Zealand, North Sydney Oval, Sydney
1 October: 2nd T20, Allan Border Field, Brisbane
5 October: 3rd T20, Manuka Oval, Canberra