Picture Credit: X

Picture Credit: X

Cricket Australia (CA) on Monday, August 26 announced 15-member squad for the upcoming Women’s T20 World Cup 2024, which is scheduled to be held in October in the UAE. Australia’s regular all-format captain, Alyssa Healy will lead the 15-member squad for the first time on the global stage, after she replaced Meg Lanning at the helm. 

Notably, Darcie Brown, who suffered a stress fracture in foot, has recovered in time to return to the side for the marquee tournament. Brown will partner with Tayla Vlaeminck to bolster Australia Women’s pace attack. Moreover, Phoebe Litchfield will feature in her maiden T20 World Cup after making it to the side last year, providing an x-factor role.

While Jess Jonassen has been left out of the side for the first time, Sophie Molineux and Grace Harris make a return from their respective injuries after they were ruled out of The Hundred Women’s competition. Speaking after the squad announcement, Australia Women’s National Selector, Shawn Flegler said as quoted by ESPNcricinfo, “This is the first time in a long time we’ve had our entire contract list available for selection ahead of a World Cup and it’s resulted in a really stable and balanced squad.”

“It’s the first time Alyssa will have the reins at a World Cup and we’ve already seen what her and Tahila bring from a leadership perspective, so it’s exciting for them to have this opportunity to lead their country on the biggest stage,” Flegler further added. 

Notably, Australia Women, who are the most successful team in Women’s T20 World Cup with six titles to their name, have been placed in Group A alongside India, New Zealand, Pakistan and Qualifier 1. The Alyssa Healy-led side will kickstart their T20 World Cup 2024 campaign against Sri Lanka on October 4, followed by matches against Pakistan (October 8), New Zealand (October 11), and India (October 13).

Australia’s squad for Women’s T20 World Cup 2024

Alyssa Healy (C and wk), Darcie Brown, Ashleigh Gardner, Kim Garth, Grace Harris, Alana King, Phoebe Litchfield, Tahila McGrath, Sophie Molineux, Beth Mooney, Ellyse Perry, Megan Schutt, Annabel Sutherland, Georgia Wareham, Tayla Vlaeminck