Alyssa Healy to Lead Australia against India in a 5 T20I series
Alyssa Healy to Lead Australia against India in a 5 T20I series :
Australian regular captain Meg Lanning is still still on break, as she announced after winning the
Gold medal at the Commonwealth games this year.
Cricket Australia has announced the 15-player squad for the 5 T20I match series against India
with Alyssa Healy as captain. She was appointed as a vice-captain after Rachael Haynes
announced her retirement in September.
The Australian selectors have included Kim Garth as well, who played for the Irish team but
became a permanent citizen of Australia last year. It’s worth mentioning that Kim Garth, in an
Irish shirt, appeared in 34 ODIs and 51 T20I matches.
Another talked about inclusion in the squad is Phoebe Litchfield, Sydney Thunder’s top scorer,
one of the best young players in the ongoing Women’s Big Bash League 2022, who has also been
called up for the T20I series.
Moreover, all-rounder Heather Graham has made a comeback as well.
It is to be noted that Tahlia McGrath will play the role of vice-captain in the 15-member squad,
which includes the likes of Ashleigh Gardner, Jess Jonassen, Beth Mooney, Ellyse Perry, Megan
Schutt, and Annabel Sutherland as the Meg Lanning, the regular captain continues to be on an
indefinite break from the sport.
The 5 T20I match series will start on December 9 and will be played across two venues in
Mumbai, at DY Patil Stadium and Brabourne Stadium.
Shawn Flegler, the Australian selector, labeled this series as the preparation for the ICC Women’s
T20 World Cup next year, which will start next year from February 10 to February 26.
“These five matches form an important part of the team’s preparations for the upcoming T20
World Cup in South Africa, as well as providing an opportunity for some players to gain some
experience in Indian conditions. India will be a good test; they’re a strong side, and the two
teams have had some good battles in recent times.”
He further spoke about Healy and the squad :
Alyssa will get the chance to lead the side in Meg’s absence which is exciting, and Tahlia will no
doubt take plenty from being her deputy. She’s worked hard on developing that side of her game
and thoroughly deserves the opportunity.”
Squad :
Alyssa Healy (C & wk), Tahlia McGrath (vice-captain), Darcie Brown, Nicola Carey, Ashleigh
Gardner, Kim Garth, Heather Graham, Grace Harris, Jess Jonassen, Alana King, Phoebe Litchfield,
Beth Mooney, Ellyse Perry, Megan Schutt, Annabel Sutherland
India vs. Australia Fixtures :
- First T20I: 9th December, D.Y. Patil Stadium
- Second T20I: 11th December, D.Y. Patil Stadium
- Third T20I: 14th December, Brabourne Stadium
- Fourth T20I: 17th December, Brabourne Stadium
- Fifth T20I: 20th December, Brabourne Stadium
All being said, this series between the defending T20I World Champions and the Asia Cup
winners will be an interesting one to watch.
