Cricket Australia selectors have not made any changes to their 15-player T20I squad for the upcoming home multi-format series against South Africa, while selecting an exciting crop of youngsters are picked in the Governor General’s XI.
After thrashing India 2-1 in their most recent encounters, Alyssa Healy will lead an experienced Australian group into their first-ever multi-format series with the Proteas women from later this month, while Vics allrounder Sophie Molineux has been named captain of a youthful Governor General’s XI side for their clash with the tourists on 24 January at North Sydney Oval.
Healy’s side will play three T20Is and three ODIs before finishing the series with a historic first-ever Test against the South Africans, with the squad for that match to be named following the first ODI on 3 February.
“South Africa were formidable opponents in the 2023 ICC T20 World Cup final in Cape Town and we look forward to the challenge of hosting the Proteas in a multi-format series in Australia.”
Cricket Australia Selector, Shawn Flegler.
“The squads for the upcoming T20s and ODIs are very similar to the one that travelled to India recently. As was the case for our home series against the West Indies in October, Grace Harris is part of the squad for the T20s only and will be replaced by Alana King for the ODIs.”
Meanwhile, Renegades skipper Molineux returns to representative cricket following a year-long layoff due to a ruptured ACL, having starred in her second game back with Victoria in the WNCL last month, scoring 62 and taking 6-45.
The 38-time Australia rep will lead a group containing a strong contingent of developing Perth Scorchers and Brisbane Heat talent, as well as exciting Melbourne Stars quick Milly Illingworth.
The 12-player squad also includes Private Kayla Stuchbree, a medium-pace bowler and middle-order batter, who will represent the Australian Defence Force.
Stuchbree’s inclusion continues a long-standing association with the ADF which provides the opportunity for eligible serving personnel to participate in the match.
Cricket Australia’s National Development Lead Kirsten Beams will coach the side with the support of assistant coaches Jenny Gunn and Grant Lambert, while the match will be broadcast live on Foxtel and Kayo Sports.
“The Governor-General’s XI fixture presents a great opportunity to see some of the brightest young cricketers take on a high-quality international opposition,” added Flegler.
“The talent in this squad shows the depth in the women’s game in Australia and we’re excited to see our next generation of players progress through the ranks of Australian cricket.”
Australia Squad for the T20I and ODI Series
Alyssa Healy (c)
Darcie Brown
Heather Graham
Ashleigh Gardner
Kim Garth
Grace Harris*
Jess Jonassen
Alana King**
Phoebe Litchfield
Tahlia McGrath
Beth Mooney
Ellyse Perry
Megan Schutt
Annabel Sutherland
Georgia Wareham
*T20s only | **ODIs only
Governor-General’s XI Squad for the Fixture at North Sydney Oval on 24 January, 2024
Sophie Molineux (c)
Chloe Ainsworth
Maddy Darke
Amy Edgar
Tess Flintoff
Sianna Ginger
Milly Illingworth
Charli Knott
Courtney Sippel
Amy Smith
Georgia Voll
Private Kayla Stuchbree
Fixtures – Proteas Women 2024 Multi-format Tour to Australia
T20 Warm-Up Match
Wed 24 Jan, T20 Warm-Up: Governor-General’s XI vs South Africa (North Sydney Oval, Sydney)
T20I Series vs Australia
Sat 27 Jan, 1st T20I: Australia vs South Africa (Manuka Oval, Canberra)
Sun 28 Jan, 2nd T20I: Australia vs South Africa (Manuka Oval, Canberra)
Tue 30 Jan, 3rd T20I: Australia vs South Africa (Bellerive Oval, Hobart)
ODI Series vs Australia
Sat 3 Feb, 1st ODI: Australia vs South Africa (Adelaide Oval, Adelaide)
Wed 7 Feb, 2nd ODI: Australia vs South Africa (North Sydney Oval, Sydney)
Sat 10 Feb, 3rd ODI: Australia vs South Africa (North Sydney Oval, Sydney)
Test Match vs Australia
15 – 18 February, Only Test: Australia vs South Africa (WACA Ground, Perth)
Photo Caption: Cricket Australia’s selection panel announced an unchanged squad for the forthcoming women’s multi-format series against South Africa. Sticking to the tried and tested, they aim to continue their winning momentum after India defeats. Photo: Cricket Australia
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