Teenage batting sensation Phoebe Litchfield has inched nearer to a Test debut after being named in Australia’s squad for an Ashes showdown with England in June.
Selectors largely backed the T20 World Cup successful facet to try to retain the Ashes for a fifth consecutive collection after naming a 15-player squad to face England this winter.
Litchfield, 19, smashed back-to-back half-centuries in her first two ODIs towards Pakistan in January having additionally made her T20 debut for Australia in India.
She is available in as the only change to the squad from Australia’s South African triumph, changing all-rounder Heather Graham, who has as a substitute been named within the Australia A squad that may tour alongside the Ashes group.
That group additionally consists of forgotten tearaway fast Tayla Vlaeminck, who was named in an Australia A squad.
Vlaeminck is closing in on full health and a key a part of the nationwide facet’s plans, nationwide selector Shawn Flegler mentioned.
Beth Mooney has been backed to beat the calf damage that dominated her out of the complete Women’s Premier League in India, whereas one of many match’s type gamers, Grace Harris, will probably be accessible for choice in all codecs.
Flegler mentioned Litchfield was an thrilling addition to the group that received the World Cup.
“We’ve been fortunate to have a consistent side across all formats over the past couple of years, and as a result we have selected a similar group to the squad which won the T20 World Cup in February,” Flegler mentioned.
“Phoebe Litchfield has taken her game to the next level in the past 12 months. We view her as a long-term player for Australia and it’s pleasing to reward her progress with selection in an Ashes squad.”
The reserve facet will play England A in a concurrent collection that includes three T20 matches and three one-day video games in addition to a warm-up match towards England earlier than the Ashes Test match.
WNCL Player of the Year Courtney Webb has been named within the A squad together with Scorpions teammates Amanda-Jade Wellington and Kate Peterson, whereas Vlaeminck and NSW left-arm fast Lauren Cheatle will lead the tempo division.
Flegler mentioned the A squad was designed to have a powerful mix of youth and expertise, whereas he left the door open for gamers to be promoted into the senior squad with sturdy performances on the tour.
“The Australia A squad contains experienced performers in domestic cricket along with several emerging players who we believe have exciting futures ahead of them,” he mentioned.
“It’s hugely beneficial to have an Australia A component to the tour and provide an opportunity for our developing players to test themselves in conditions they may not experience in Australia.
“The nature of concurrent tours also offers flexibility and allows players to be available for and cross over into both squads, whether it be from a preparation perspective or to provide an opportunity at international level.”
Australia‘s Ashes squad: Meg Lanning (c), Alyssa Healy (vc), Darcie Brown, Ashleigh Gardner, Kim Garth, Grace Harris, Jess Jonassen, Alana King, Phoebe Litchfield, Tahlia McGrath, Beth Mooney, Ellyse Perry, Megan Schutt, Annabel Sutherland, Georgia Wareham
Australia A Squad: Maitlan Brown, Lauren Cheatle, Maddy Darke, Heather Graham, Nicole Faltum, Tess Flintoff, Charli Knott, Kate Peterson, Courtney Sippel, Tayla Vlaeminck, Courtney Webb, Amanda-Jade Wellington, Tahlia Wilson.
Originally published as Phoebe Litchfield named in 15-player Australian squad for women’s Ashes
Source: www.dailytelegraph.com.au
