Key spinner sidelined as Australia name squad for Ashes series against England
Spinner Sophie Molineux faces a long stint on the sidelines due to injury as Australia keep faith in a talented batter that impressed recently against India.
Australia have revealed their squad for the white-ball portion of next month's eagerly-awaited Ashes series against England.
Key spinner Sophie Molineux will miss the entire series as she gets set to undergo knee surgery, while experienced keeper-batter Alyssa Healy will captain the side once again with all-rounder Tahlia McGrath her deputy.
Young batter Georgia Voll retains her place in the squad for the six white-ball fixtures after impressing in three ODIs against India recently, with Grace Harris joining the playing group for the T20I portion of the series only.
The multi-format Ashes series consists of three ODIs, three T20Is and a one-off Test match in Melbourne and selector Shawn Flegler believes the squad selected are well placed to defeat England.
“We’re pleased with how the side performed in recent series against India and New Zealand and are confident we have a balanced squad capable of retaining the Ashes," Flegler said.
“It was pleasing to see Alyssa Healy return to action against New Zealand and looked in good touch, along with a number of batters continuing their strong form on from the recent series against India.
“Whilst Georgia Voll didn’t play against New Zealand, she’s made a brilliant start to her international career and will be a strong option with the bat if required in her debut Ashes series.
“The bowling group provides plenty of variety which will be important against a strong England batting line up.
"The Ashes is always a fierce contest with the top two ranked teams in the world going head-to-head and this series will be no different.”
Behind the scenes of Australia's media day | WT20WC 2024
Australia's squad for the one-off Test against England at the MCG from January 30 is expected to be announced next month.
Australia squad (ODIs and T20Is): Alyssa Healy (c), Darcie Brown, Ashleigh Gardner, Kim Garth, Grace Harris (T20Is only), Alana King, Phoebe Litchfield, Tahlia McGrath (vc), Beth Mooney, Ellyse Perry, Megan Schutt, Annabel Sutherland, Georgia Voll, Georgia Wareham