Australia name Women's Ashes squad
The series is played across all three international formats on a points basis, with two points available for wins in each ODI and T20I, and four points for the sole Test match. Points are shared for ties in the limited overs matches, and a draw in the Test match. The team that accumulates the most points at the end of the series wins the Ashes.
The multi-format series begins on 20 January with three T20 Internationals at Adelaide Oval, followed by the Test match at Manuka Oval in Canberra from January 27.
Manuka Oval also hosts the first ODI, a day-night clash on February 3, before moving to Melbourne's Junction Oval, with ODIs two and three on February 6 and 8.
The squad has seen a shuffle of players, with Rachael Haynes and Megan Schutt returning, as well as Jess Jonassen who has recovered from an injury during the domestic season.
Spinners Georgia Wareham and Sophie Molineux both miss this series due to injury, opening the door for leg-spinner Alana King, who has been rewarded for her form over the last two years.
National Selector Shawn Flegler admitted selecting the squad was a painstaking task given the overall quality across Australia at present.
“This was a tough selection process with so many players coming off strong WBBL tournaments, but we’re confident we’ve selected a balanced, all-round squad with players who can perform across all three formats.
“It’s great to have Rachael Haynes and Megan Schutt back in the side having missed the India series due to personal reasons as well as Jess who’s recovered from a lower-leg injury; the experience those three bring to the side is invaluable during a series like the Ashes.
“The loss of Georgia Wareham to injury has presented Alana King with a great opportunity to show what she can do at this level and having improved in all facets of her game over the last few seasons, she’s well placed to play an important role in the series.
“As expected, Sophie Molineux will miss this series due to the stress fracture in her right foot that she suffered at the back end of the WBBL, but we’ll continue to monitor her in the lead up to the World Cup with the aim that’s she’s available for that tournament.
The returns of Haynes and Schutt and a smaller squad size from Australia's series win against India in October mean a number of players miss out. With a Women's World Cup slated for March and April, Australia has also announced a 15-player Australia 'A' squad to take on an English equivalent in three T20s and three fifty0over matches, to run at the same time as the Ashes.
“While Georgia Redmayne, Stella Campbell, Maitlan Brown and Molly Strano have missed out from the India series due to a decrease in squad size, we know they’ll be able to lead the way with the ‘A’ side and will be able to slot straight into the side if the opportunity arises.”
**Australia Ashes Squad:**Meg Lanning (C), Rachael Haynes (VC), Darcie Brown, Nicola Carey, Hannah Darlington, Ashleigh Gardner, Alyssa Healy, Jess Jonassen, Alana King, Tahlia McGrath, Beth Mooney, Ellyse Perry, Megan Schutt, Annabel Sutherland, Tayla Vlaeminck
***Australia 'A' Squad:***Georgia Redmayne (C), Maitlan Brown, Erin Burns, Stella Campbell, Nicole Faltum, Tess Flintoff, Heather Graham, Grace Harris, Phoebe Litchfield, Katie Mack, Courtney Sippel, Molly Strano, Elyse Villani, Georgia Voll, Amanda-Jade Wellington