Australia have named their squad for the upcoming three-match women’s ODI series against Bangladesh, with Tahlia McGrath set to captain the side in the absence of regular skipper Sophie Molineux.
Molineux will miss the Bangladesh series, while pace bowler Lucy Hamilton has also been left out of the ODI squad. Cricket Australia expects both players to be fully fit and available for the following T20I series against New Zealand.
The Bangladesh-Australia ODI series will be played at Allan Border Field in Brisbane from 9 to 14 October. Australia will then face New Zealand in three T20Is in Sydney between 18 and 22 October, giving the side a demanding schedule across the month.
Fast bowler Darcie Brown is another notable absentee. She has been ruled out of both the Bangladesh and New Zealand series because of a back injury. Her absence leaves Australia without one of their pace options for the upcoming international fixtures.
All-rounder Grace Harris has also been omitted following her recent performances. Harris was part of Australia’s T20 World Cup squad, but the selectors have opted not to include her in the latest group.
The combination of injuries and squad changes means Australia currently have only 12 players available for the six-day ODI series in Brisbane. The squad could still be expanded, however. National selection chief Sean Flegler said another player could be added after the next round of the Women’s National Cricket League (WNCL), Australia’s domestic competition.
Flegler also provided an update on Brown’s recovery. Although the fast bowler is expected to spend an extended period away from international cricket, Australia hope she can return at some stage during the Women’s Big Bash League, which begins towards the end of October.
Despite the absences, Australia retain considerable experience in their squad. Beth Mooney, Ellyse Perry, Ashleigh Gardner, Alana King, Megan Schutt and Annabel Sutherland are all included, giving McGrath a strong group of established international players around her.
For McGrath, the Bangladesh series will bring added responsibility as she takes charge of the ODI side. The three matches will also give Australia an opportunity to assess their squad depth with several established players unavailable.
Bangladesh, meanwhile, face a challenging assignment against an Australian side that remains packed with experienced players despite the absences. The three ODIs in Brisbane will form the first part of Australia’s October schedule before the team moves on to the New Zealand T20I series.
Australia’s squad for the Bangladesh ODIs and New Zealand T20Is is Sophie Molineux (T20Is only), Nicola Carey, Ashleigh Gardner, Kim Garth, Lucy Hamilton (T20Is only), Alana King, Phoebe Litchfield, Tahlia McGrath (ODI captain), Beth Mooney, Ellyse Perry, Megan Schutt, Annabel Sutherland, Georgia Voll and Georgia Wareham.
