The national selectors named Grace Harris and Nicole Bolton in the Australia Women’s squad for their upcoming limited-overs tour of Sri Lanka in September. The 14-member squad, which features as many as 12 players who were a part of the Australian contingent for the 2016 ICC World Twenty20 in India, will play four One-Day Internationals and a lone Twenty20 International in their first-ever bilateral tour of Sri Lanka, starting September 18.
The team will fly out on September 12 and play a warm-up game on September 15, before the ODI series commences.
Harris, an explosive all-rounder from Queensland, is making national comeback after missing the World T20 event due to Deep Vein Thrombosis. Bolton, too, is returning to the ODI fold after having last played a game against New Zealand earlier this year.
“We believe this group contains a good mix of youth and experience that will give us the best chance of succeeding in Sri Lanka,” Shawn Flegler, the national selector, said on Wednesday (August 31).
“We’ve got a number of options covered with our bowling attack as well as several batters who can produce the attacking game-style we want to play.
“Grace Harris, Beth Mooney and Holly Ferling all have recent experience in Sri Lankan conditions, having toured the country last year.
“Grace has overcome the disappointment of missing the World T20 in India due to illness and has another great opportunity to impress for her country on this tour.
“After a very impressive start to her international career, Lauren Cheatle will sit out this tour as she focuses on her final year of high school,” Flegler said.
Meanwhile, fast bowler Sarah Coyte has chosen not to take up her contract for the 2016-17. The 25-year-old will be taking an indefinite break, but will continue to play for Adelaide Striker’s in Women’s Big Bash League.
Australia are currently sitting on top of the ICC Women’s Championship table with 24 points from 15 games. Sri Lanka, on the other hand, are languishing at the bottom of the table with just five.
Australia Women’s squad for Sri Lanka tour: Meg Lanning (Captain), Alex Blackwell (Vice-Captain), Kristen Beams, Nicole Bolton, Rene Farrell, Holly Ferling, Grace Harris, Alyssa Healy, Jess Jonassen, Beth Mooney, Erin Osborne, Ellyse Perry, Megan Schutt, Elyse Villani.