Star performer Megan Schutt misses out as Australia Women announce squad for series against India

The Australian Women’s selection committee announced an 18-member squad for their home series against India women which begins on September 19 with the first of the three ODIs at North Sydney Oval. Star performers Megan Schutt and Jess Jonassen along with Belinda Vakarewa will miss this important series for the Southern Stars. 

While Schutt and Belinda asked not to be considered for the series due to personal reasons, Jonassen seems to be still nursing her tibia injury. To cover those gaps, the selectors have given maiden national call ups to Stella Campbell and Georgia Redmayne while Maitlan Brown makes a return to the national set-up after a long layoff due to injury.  

National selector Shawn Flegler admitted that the board is in full support of Schutt and Belinda and accepted their request for non-consideration. "We're fully supportive of the requests from Belinda and Megan to not be considered for selection. As the leader of the bowling attack, Megan's absence will provide the opportunity for someone else to lay the type of role she has so well over a lengthy period."

Talking about the new entrants in the team, Flegler said, "Stella is yet another young fast bowler to have come through the pathway and adds another layer of depth to an emerging pace-bowling group. Georgia's selection is recognition of the strong couple of domestic seasons she's produced, and it's been pleasing to see her really start to expand her game in recent times,” he added. 

After the ODIs, the lone Test at the WACA in Perth would be played from September 30 while the tour will end with a three-match T20I series, starting with the first match in Sydney on October 7.

Australia squad: Meg Lanning, Rachael Haynes, Darcie Brown, Maitlan Brown, Stella Campbell, Nicola Carey, Hannah Darlington, Ashleigh Gardner, Alyssa Healy, Tahlia McGrath, Sophie Molineux, Beth Mooney, Ellyse Perry, Georgia Redmayne, Molly Strano, Annabel Sutherland, Tayla Vlaeminck, Georgia Wareham.