Monitoring Desk
ISLAMABAD/SYDNEY: To retain their women’s Twenty20 World Cup title, Australia named a powerful squad on Tuesday, spearheaded by Meg Lanning, Ellyse Perry and Alyssa Healy.
The return of leg-spinner Georgia Wareham from a prolonged injury-related absence has further strengthened the ranks of the five-time champions, which are solid favorites for the event in South Africa next month.
Although Healy, the wicketkeeper, has been battling a calf injury she sustained in India in December, she was included in the 15-woman team and is expected to play.
In front of more than 86,000 supporters at the Melbourne Cricket Ground, Australia defeated India by 85 runs to win the T20 World Cup in 2020.
After returning to the team late last month after an extended break, Lanning took over as captain, easing concerns that she had participated in her final international match. After inspiring Australia to a frantic streak of victories, the record-breaking 30-year-old declared in August that she was quitting the sport to “concentrate on me.”
National selector Shawn Flegler stated, “It’s always difficult to narrow down a group to just 15 players, but we’re satisfied we’ve picked a well-balanced side. It was fantastic to have Meg and Georgia back in action for Victoria. Both have a plethora of experience that is essential during important competitions. Georgia has endured a challenging series of injuries, but she has displayed incredible resiliency, and her comeback is a massive lift for the team.
On February 12, Australia will face New Zealand to open their World Cup defence before playing South Africa, Bangladesh, and Sri Lanka in group play.
Before traveling to South Africa, Australia will warm up against Pakistan with a home T20 and one-day series. Australia squad: Meg Lanning (capt), Darcie Brown, Alyssa Healy, Kim Garth, Ashleigh Gardner, Heather Graham, Grace Harris, Tahlia McGrath, Jess Jonassen, Alana King, Beth Mooney, Megan Schutt, Ellyse Perry, Georgia Wareham, Annabel Sutherland.
