Cricket Australia Announces Captain-Less Women's Squad For India Tour

Cricket Australia (CA) has announced a 16-member women’s squad for the upcoming multi-format tour of India, which is set to begin on December 21. However, the selectors haven’t named Meg Lanning’s successor, who will be picked ahead of the team’s departure.

Australia is set to play a Test, three ODIs, and three T20Is against India from January 9 to January 21. The Test match and ODI matches will be played at the Wankhede Stadium, while the DY Patil Stadium will host the three-match series in the shorter format of the game.

Hopeful Alyssa Healy Available For The Test – Shawn Flegler

Alyssa Healy and Darcie Brown were named in Australia’s squad despite the injury concerns. National selector Shawn Flegler mentioned that Healy’s finger is healing, and the medical team is closely monitoring her recovery, with optimism about her availability for the Test.

“Alyssa Healy’s finger is healing, but remains in a splint and our medical team are continuing to monitor her recovery closely. We’re obviously very hopeful she will be available for the Test, but those decisions are still a while away,” Shawn Flegler said.

Alyssa Healy is considered the frontrunner to become captain of the team. Cricket Australia is expected to announce a replacement closer to the India tour. Darcie Brown, recovering from a hamstring injury, is set to be fit for the first Test after returning to bowling.

Lauren Cheatle Provides Another Fast Bowling Option – Shawn Flegler

Left-arm seamer Lauren Cheatle has earned a Test match recall for the upcoming tour of India. Cheatle took 19 wickets in 10 games for the Sydney Sixers in the recent Women’s BBL season. She made her international debut in 2016 at the age of 17 but suffered from injuries.

“Lauren has playing experience in India and provides another fast bowling option, particularly in regard to the Test match which is the format she has been selected for. At this stage, we’re planning for Lauren to return to Australia ahead of the white ball formats to play WNCL,” Flegler said.

“We’ll have an opportunity to acclimatise to the conditions and our preparation in Mumbai will include a warm-up match against a local opposition.”

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