Meg Lanning to lead as Australia name power-packed squad for Women's T20 World Cup

Meg Lanning will lead the team [Source: Twitter]

In a significant development, Australia have named a strong 15-member squad for the upcoming home series against Pakistan and the Women's T20 World Cup. Regular skipper Meg Lanning will lead the team, which is an amalgamation of experience and youth. 

Veteran keeper-batter Alyssa Healy, who was ruled out of the final T20I against India, has been included in the squad. Meanwhile, leg spinner Georgia Wareham has returned after a long injury hiatus. 

The rest of the squad has been picked on expected lines. While Beth Mooney, Grace Harris, Tahlia McGrath, and Healy and Lanning make Australia the most dangerous batting unit, the bowling responsibilities will be shouldered by Megan Schutt, Darcie Brown, Alana King, Wareham and Jess Jonassen. 

Furthermore, all-rounders like Ellyse Perry, Ashleigh Gardner and Annabel Sutherland make them the most formidable outfit in the showpiece event. 

Here's what national selector Shawn Flegler stated

"It's always tough to narrow a squad down to just 15 players, but we're confident we've picked a well-balanced side. Seeing Meg and Georgia back in action for Victoria has been exciting. Both bring a wealth of experience to the group, which is always crucial during major tournaments,

"Georgia in particular, has had a tough run of injuries, but she's shown a great deal of resilience and her return is a real boost for the side."

Australia squad for Women's T20 World Cup 

Meg Lanning (C), Alyssa Healy, Darcie Brown, Ashleigh Gardner, Kim Garth, Heather Graham, Grace Harris, Jess Jonassen, Alana King, Tahlia McGrath, Beth Mooney, Ellyse Perry, Megan Schutt, Annabel Sutherland, Georgia Wareham

Australia Women will lock horns with New Zealand Women in their tournament opener on February 12, before taking on Bangladesh, Sri Lanka and hosts South Africa. 

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