IND-W vs AUS-W: Australia name Alyssa Healy captain for India tour
Alyssa Healy in action [Source: Twitter]
Wicketkeeper-batter Alyssa Healy has been named Australia Women's captain for their upcoming tour of India, consisting of five T20Is.
The Australian selectors have also included Kim Garth, who played for Irish Women but is now a permanent citizen of Australia since last year. Garth represented Ireland in 34 ODIs and 51 T20Is.
One of the youngest stars from the ongoing Women's Big Bash League (2022), Phoebe Litchfield, has also received her maiden T20I call-up. Litchfield was the Sydney Thunder's leading run-getter in the WBBL this season. All-rounder Heather Graham has made a comeback as well.
Tahlia McGrath will take over vice-captain duties in the 15-member squad, which sees the likes of Ashleigh Gardner, Jess Jonassen, Beth Mooney, Ellyse Perry, Megan Schutt, and Annabel Sutherland included. Meanwhile, the regular skipper Meg Lanning continues to be on an indefinite break from cricket.
The five-match series will begin on December 9 and will be played across two venues - DY Patil Stadium and Brabourne Stadium.
National selector Shawn Flegler said that the India series will act as a preparation for the ICC Women's T20 World Cup next year.
"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. India will be a good test; they're a strong side and the two teams have had some good battles in recent times."
Squad:
Alyssa Healy (c & wk), Tahlia McGrath (vice-capt), Darcie Brown, Nicola Carey, Ashleigh Gardner, Kim Garth, Heather Graham, Grace Harris, Jess Jonassen, Alana King, Phoebe Litchfield, Beth Mooney, Ellyse Perry, Megan Schutt, Annabel Sutherland
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