Women’s Ashes 2017-18: Australia announce 13-member squad for T20Is

Australia women won the T20Is, whereas the one-off Ashes Test was drawn.

England held their nerves and saved the Test with a draw. However,  with Australia leading the series with 6 points, England will have to triumph in all three T20Is to win the 2017-18 Women’s Ashes.

The Australian side, who set up a great performance in the Test, will go to the shortest format with three changes. The National Selector Shawn Flegler said, “It’s been a long tour for some of the younger players, so the selectors have opted to add some fresh legs to the side, all of which have previous experience at international level.”

Australian young pace bowler Lauren Cheatle was ruled out due to back injury. The 33-year- old Sarah Aley gets her spot.

Sarah was the leading wicket-taker with 28 wickets for the Sydney Sixers in the previous Women’s Big Bash League. Molly, who is back in the squad, was the highest wicket-taker in the 2014-15 domestic T20 competition.

“Molly was impressive with her off-spin bowling during Australia’s T20 series against New Zealand earlier this year, while Sarah will be hoping to make her T20 debut after being handed her one-day cap during the 50-over World Cup this year,” said the selector.

The Australian T20I squad will miss the services of opener Nicole Bolton, all-rounder Tahlia McGrath and pacer Lauren Cheatle.

Tahlia McGrath, who made her Test debut this Ashes, has been rested and replaced by all-rounder Delissa Kimmince who played her last T20I against West Indies in November 2014.

“We have been really pleased with the way Tahlia has played in the series and as she continues to develop her T20 skills we think she will be an important member of the side”, said the selector.

“It’s great to see Delissa back in the side having last played for Australia in 2014, she’s a very handy bowler who will also add extra depth to the middle order.

“All three have been strong performers in WBBL who we are confident can come into the side and get the job done against England in what is going to be three entertaining T20 matches.”

Six of the seven leading run-scorer in Women’s Big Bash are in the squad for the T20Is, including the likes of Perry who scored a magnificent double-century in the test. Meg Lanning, one of the swashbuckling players, remains unavailable due to injury. The first T20I will be played on November 17.

Australia squad: Sarah Aley, Alex Blackwell, Ashleigh Gardner, Rachael Haynes (c), Alyssa Healy, Jess Jonassen, Delissa Kimmince, Beth Mooney, Ellyse Perry, Megan Schutt, Molly Strano, Elyse Villani, Amanda-Jade Wellington