![Alyssa](https://stakenews.in/wp-content/uploads/2022/11/Healy.jpg-773x380.webp)
Cricket Australia releases their women’s T20I squad for India Tour
Following their sudden entry into the 15-player touring group, teenager Phoebe Litchfield, former Ireland pacer Kim Garth, and all-rounder Heather Graham are all set to make their Australian T20I debuts on the five-match tour of India that will take place next month.
As Meg Lanning takes her hiatus from the sport, Alyssa Healy will lead Australia for the first time during the series in Mumbai, with Tahlia McGrath serving as her vice captain. In December, Australia will play India in five Twenty20 internationals, with the first two games taking place at the DY Patil.
SQUAD: the @AusWomenCricket team are bound for India next month for five T20Is that will serve as crucial preparation for February's T20 World Cup.
Congratulations to all selected! 🙌 #INDvAUS pic.twitter.com/0WOg8MLRNG
— Cricket Australia (@CricketAus) November 21, 2022
“These five matches form an important part of the team’s preparations for the upcoming T20 World Cup in South Africa as well as providing an opportunity for some players to gain some experience in Indian conditions,” Australia’s Head of Performance and National Selector, Shawn Flegler said to reporters. “India will be a good test, they’re a strong side, and the two teams have had some good battles in recent times,” he added.
First press conference as Aussie skipper ✅@ahealy77 will take the reins as captain for our five T20Is against India next month! #INDvAUS pic.twitter.com/sDAuFWDotN
— Australian Women's Cricket Team 🏏 (@AusWomenCricket) November 22, 2022
Australia has made three changes to the lineup from the team that won gold at the Commonwealth Games on their most recent overseas trip in August as part of this tour, which is an essential part of their preparation for the T20 World Cup in South Africa in February. Lanning, former vice captain Rachael Haynes, and leg spinner Amanda-Jade Wellington are all replaced by the new bunch.
For the Melbourne Stars in the WBBL this season, Garth has been reliable with the ball, capturing 12 wickets at a 6.71 economy rate. With 15 wickets, she led Stars’ bowlers in last season’s wicket-taking. She has so far claimed five wickets for Victoria in four WNCL games this summer.
While we would obviously prefer to still have you in the Irish ranks, congratulations @kim_garth for your selection for Australia for the first time. We all wish you well.#BackingGreen ☘️🏏 https://t.co/XqJOd8nH6X
— Ireland Women’s Cricket (@IrishWomensCric) November 21, 2022
“It’s one of the most exciting names in the squad,” Healy explained. “She made the move to Australia to try and do just this, play for Australia. The way she has developed over the years is impressive. Her new-ball skills with T20 cricket is what we need and she also has variations through the middle that are very handy. She’s a great addition. Everyone is very excited for her. It’s a big move to come all the way for Ireland to chase a dream, and she’s done that. I am sure she is going to look at home in the green and gold and hopefully she can have a great career.”
Since her WBBL debut at the age of 16 in 2019, the sublimely gifted left-hander Litchfield has been on the radar of national selectors. Now 19 years old, the player has earned her first spot in a senior national squad after putting together her best WBBL campaign to date for Sydney Thunder, scoring 280 runs, which include two fifties.
JUST IN: Prodigiously talented teen Phoebe Litchfield and ex-Irish international Kim Garth are the bolters in the squad to tour India #INDvAUS
— cricket.com.au (@cricketcomau) November 21, 2022
Garth, meanwhile, may make her debut abroad for a second nation. After making her debut for Ireland at the age of 14 in 2010, the fast bowler played on 85 occasions for Ireland before relocating to Australia in 2020 to sign a contract with Victoria and pursue a career as a professional cricketer.
“Without Meg and Rachael, this series will provide opportunities for players, particularly in the top order, so we’re looking forward to seeing who puts their hand up,” Flegler stated. “It’s pleasing to have been able to reward Phoebe, Kim and Heather for strong form throughout the WBBL, and hopefully they get the chance to show what they can do at some stage during the series. We’ve had an eye on Phoebe for a while and she’s really taken her game to the next level this summer. She’s made her mark at the top of the order for the Sydney Thunder and we’re looking forward to seeing what she can do in Australian colours.”
Australia women’s squad for India Campaign: Alyssa Healy (c & wk), Beth Mooney, Ellyse Perry, Tahlia McGrath (vc), Darcie Brown, Nicola Carey, Ashleigh Gardner, Kim Garth, Heather Graham, Grace Harris, Jess Jonassen, Alana King, Phoebe Litchfield, Megan Schutt, Annabel Sutherland.
Fixtures: India vs Australia T20I
- 1st T20I: Friday, December 9, DY Patil Stadium, Mumbai
- 2nd T20I: Sunday, December 11, DY Patil Stadium, Mumbai
- 3rd T20I: Wednesday, December 14, Brabourne Stadium, Mumbai
- 4th T20I: Saturday, December 17, Brabourne Stadium, Mumbai
- 5th T20I: Tuesday, December 20, Brabourne Stadium, Mumbai