MELBOURNE: With Meg Lanning still unavailable, Cricket Australia appointed the veteran wicketkeeper on Tuesday Alyssa Healy captained a 15-member Australian women’s team for the next five-game T20 series against India.
Versatile star Tahlia McGrath has been named vice-captain for the series, whose matches will be played at DY Patil Stadium and Brabourne Stadium in Mumbai.
The series will run from December 9-20. The first two games will take place at the DY Patil Stadium and the other three at Brabourne.
Healy takes charge of a squad with three changes including a highly talented teenager and an ex-Irish international.
The 19 year old Phoebe Litchfieldex-ireland fast Kim Garth and versatile Heather Graham are in line to make their T20I debuts after being named to the team.
The tour holds significance as it serves as preparation for the T20 World Cup next February in South Africa.
Australia made three changes to the group that won gold at the Commonwealth Games in August.
Australian Performance Manager (Women’s Cricket) and National Coach, Shawn Fleger said: “These five matches are an important part of the team’s preparations for the upcoming T20 World Cup in South Africa and provide some players with an opportunity to gain experience under Indian conditions.”
“India will be a good test; they are a strong team and both teams have been fighting well lately.
“Without Meg and Rachael, this series will provide opportunities for players, especially in the higher order, so we can’t wait to see who gets their hands up.”
Healy’s elevation comes after she was named vice-captain after Rachel Haynes‘ retired from international cricket in September.
Australia will depart for India on December 4.
Speaking of Alyssa, the coach said: “Alyssa will get the chance to lead the team in Meg’s absence which is exciting, and Tahlia will no doubt get a lot out of her assistant role.
“She has worked hard to develop this aspect of her game and thoroughly deserves this opportunity.”
Crew: Alyssa Healy (c), Tahlia McGrath, Darcie Brown, Nicola Carey, Ashleigh Gardner, Kim Garth, Heather Graham, Grace HarrisJess Jonassen, Alana King, Phoebe Litchfield, Beth MooneyEllyse Perry, Megan Schutt and Annabel Sutherland
Versatile star Tahlia McGrath has been named vice-captain for the series, whose matches will be played at DY Patil Stadium and Brabourne Stadium in Mumbai.
The series will run from December 9-20. The first two games will take place at the DY Patil Stadium and the other three at Brabourne.
Healy takes charge of a squad with three changes including a highly talented teenager and an ex-Irish international.
The 19 year old Phoebe Litchfieldex-ireland fast Kim Garth and versatile Heather Graham are in line to make their T20I debuts after being named to the team.
The tour holds significance as it serves as preparation for the T20 World Cup next February in South Africa.
Australia made three changes to the group that won gold at the Commonwealth Games in August.
Australian Performance Manager (Women’s Cricket) and National Coach, Shawn Fleger said: “These five matches are an important part of the team’s preparations for the upcoming T20 World Cup in South Africa and provide some players with an opportunity to gain experience under Indian conditions.”
“India will be a good test; they are a strong team and both teams have been fighting well lately.
“Without Meg and Rachael, this series will provide opportunities for players, especially in the higher order, so we can’t wait to see who gets their hands up.”
Healy’s elevation comes after she was named vice-captain after Rachel Haynes‘ retired from international cricket in September.
Australia will depart for India on December 4.
Speaking of Alyssa, the coach said: “Alyssa will get the chance to lead the team in Meg’s absence which is exciting, and Tahlia will no doubt get a lot out of her assistant role.
“She has worked hard to develop this aspect of her game and thoroughly deserves this opportunity.”
Crew: Alyssa Healy (c), Tahlia McGrath, Darcie Brown, Nicola Carey, Ashleigh Gardner, Kim Garth, Heather Graham, Grace HarrisJess Jonassen, Alana King, Phoebe Litchfield, Beth MooneyEllyse Perry, Megan Schutt and Annabel Sutherland
