Photo Credit: Sydney Thunder
Darlington, Litchfield named in Cricket Australia XI
Sydney Thunder skipper Rachael Haynes has been named vice-captain of Australia’s T20 World Cup squad for their upcoming title defence on home soil.
Australia’s T20 World Cup squad: Meg Lanning (c), Rachael Haynes (vc), Erin Burns, Nicola Carey, Ashleigh Gardner, Alyssa Healy (wk), Jess Jonassen, Delissa Kimmince, Sophie Molineux, Beth Mooney, Ellyse Perry, Megan Schutt, Annabel Sutherland, Tayla Vlaeminck, Georgia Wareham
The Australian squad features 13 players who were part of their successful World Cup campaign in the Caribbean in November 2018, with veteran allrounder Erin Burns and teenager Annabel Sutherland the only additions to that group.
Dropping out of the group that met Sri Lanka in October is Western Australia allrounder Heather Graham.
“This was an incredibly difficult side to pick with selectors looking at the overall mix of the squad and the roles required, and we feel we’ve got great cover for all teams and scenarios,” said National selector Shawn Flegler.
“The tri-series will be the perfect warm-up against two of the best sides in the world and will give the team the chance to finalise its preparations ahead of the World Cup.
“For most players this was one of the biggest selections of their career with not many people getting to play in a World Cup in front of a home crowd, but we’re really confident this squad can go out and defend its title and do Australia proud.”
A Cricket Australia XI featuring some of the country’s best young talent has also been named to play Australia in a T20 warm-up match at Sydney Showgrounds on January 27.
Cricket Australia XI: Stella Campbell, Hannah Darlington, Josie Dooley, Heather Graham, Charli Knott, Phoebe Litchfield, Tahlia McGrath (c), Bridget Patterson, Taneale Peschel, Molly Strano, Belinda Vakarewa
It includes WBBL|05 Young Gun Hannah Darlington, and 16-year-old Phoebe Litchfield, who struck an impressive half-century in the WNCL earlier this week.
“This is one of the strongest CA XI squads we’ve had with so many players dominating domestic cricket and putting their hands up for selection, including some who were unlucky to miss out on senior selection,” Flegler said.
“The side has a mix of players who will provide cover to the senior squad, as well as others like Phoebe Litchfield who have shown great promise and we will no doubt see in Australian colours in the years ahead.
“Hannah Darlington and Stella Campbell have also been terrific this season, so this is another great opportunity for them to play with and against highly skilled players.”
omen’s T20 World Cup
Warm-ups
February 15: Australia v West Indies, Allan Border Field
February 18: Australia v South Africa, Karen Rolton Oval
Tournament
February 21: Australia v India, Sydney Showgrounds
February 24: Australia v Sri Lanka, WACA Ground
February 27: Australia v Bangladesh, Manuka Oval
March 2: Australia v New Zealand, Junction Oval
March 5: Semi-final 1 & Semi-final 2, SCG
March 8: Final, MCG
For a full list of all World Cup fixtures, click HERE.
All matches will be broadcast on Fox Cricket and Kayo, while Australia’s matches will also be broadcast on the Nine Network.
Name of Author: Sydney Thunder
The Sydney Thunder is an Australian professional cricket team competing in the Big Bash League (BBL). Based at Sydney Showground Stadium, the Thunder, along with the Sydney Sixers, succeeded the New South Wales Blues from the defunct KFC Twenty20 Big Bash.
