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Cricket Australia (CA), on Friday, announced their Women’s squad for the upcoming ODI series against Pakistan, starting January 16 2023.
The first two matches of the three-match ODI series, which is part of the ICC Championship, will be played at Allan Border Field in Brisbane, while the final game will be hosted by New South Wales’ home ground North Sydney.
Meg Lanning, Australia Women’s regular captain who took an ‘indefinite break’ from the game, has returned to lead the side once again. Notably, Lanning had announced her decision to take a break, citing personal reasons after Australia’s gold medal win at the 2022 Commonwealth Games in Birmingham.
Alyssa Healy, however, will miss the series as she continues her recovery from a calf injury. Healy was named captain during Australia’s recent five-match T20I tour of India, but she injured her calf in the fourth match.
Beth Mooney, who donned the wicketkeeping gloves in Healy’s absence, is expected to keep the wickets again, while Tahlia McGrath, who led the in Healy’s absence, has been named Lanning’s deputy for the series against the Women in Green.
Veteran spinner Jess Jonassen has been retained in the squad. She suffered a hamstring injury in India but is expected to recover in time for the ODIs against Pakistan. Similarly, former Ireland international Kim Garth and youngster Phoebe Litchfield have received their maiden call-up to the one-day side.
“Meg brings so much to the side both on and off the field, and it’s pleasing to welcome her back at such an important time with the T20 World Cup just over a month away,” said national selector Shawn Flegler as quoted by cricket.com.au.
“The Indian series allowed us to blood some new talent, and it’s pleasing to be able to retain Kim and Phoebe for this series. Alyssa won’t have recovered from her calf injury in time, so that presents an opportunity for Beth to take the gloves in her absence,” added Flegler.
Australia squad for the Pakistan ODIs:
Meg Lanning (C), Tahlia McGrath (VC), Darcie Brown, Nicola Carey, Ashleigh Gardner, Kim Garth, Jess Jonassen*, Alana King, Phoebe Litchfield, Beth Mooney, Ellyse Perry, Megan Schutt, Annabel Sutherland
