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 will also be unavailable for the three ODIs. Cricket Australia nevertheless expects both players to return to full fitness in time for the subsequent T20I series against New Zealand.
The Bangladesh-Australia ODI series is scheduled to take place at Allan Border Field in Brisbane from 9 to 14 October. Australia will then face New Zealand in a three-match T20I series in Sydney between 18 and 22 October, giving the Australian side a busy run of international fixtures across the month.
Australia will also be without fast bowler Darcie Brown for both assignments. Brown has been ruled out because of a back injury, adding to the changes in the squad ahead of the two series.
All-rounder Grace Harris has also been left out after a recent run of performances. Harris was included in Australia’s T20 World Cup squad, but has not been selected for the upcoming fixtures.
The combination of injuries and squad changes means Australia currently have only 12 players available for the six-day ODI series in Brisbane. However, that number could increase after the next round of the Women’s National Cricket League (WNCL). National selection chief Sean Flegler said another player could be added to the squad once the domestic fixtures have been completed.
Flegler also offered an indication of Brown’s expected return. Although the fast bowler is set to spend a considerable period on the sidelines, Australia hope she can make her comeback at some stage during the Women’s Big Bash League, which begins towards the end of October.
Despite the absences, Australia retain a group featuring considerable international experience. Beth Mooney, Ellyse Perry, Ashleigh Gardner, Annabel Sutherland, Alana King and Megan Schutt are all included, providing McGrath with a strong core of established players for the Bangladesh series.
McGrath’s appointment gives her responsibility for leading the ODI side during Molineux’s absence. The series will also provide Australia with an opportunity to assess their squad depth ahead of the T20I fixtures against New Zealand.
For Bangladesh, the three-match series in Brisbane will present a demanding international assignment against an Australian side that remains well stocked with experienced players despite several absences. The matches will be played across six days, with the series forming part of Australia’s wider October schedule.
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.
