Schutt, Jonassen cleared for SL tour

Fast bowler Megan Schutt and allrounder Jess Jonassen have been declared fully fit as the Commonwealth Bank Southern Stars prepare to embark on their maiden tour of Sri Lanka next month.

Australia's squad is expected to be named this week for the tour comprising four One-Day Internationals and one Twenty20, where the Southern Stars will seek to secure their place on top of the ICC Women's Championship table.

Quick Single: World T20 pain driving Stars: Blackwell

A series of off-season niggles forced first Jonassen, then Schutt to withdraw from the inaugural Women's Super League tournament, held in England last month.

Schutt endured a four-month lay-off with tendinitis in the knees, while Jonassen underwent surgery on her left knee in April, her second operation on the limb in less than 18 months.

But left-arm spinner Jonassen and Schutt have since returned to the nets and have declared themselves 100 per cent fit for Sri Lanka.

"Megan has had a great pre-season and has done a lot of hard work in the gym," Southern Stars physiotherapist Kate Mahony said.

"She is now back to full training and stronger and fitter than ever so she is looking great for a big season ahead.

Quick Single: Sharp Schutt ready to fire

"Jess had a knee arthroscope on her return from the World T20 and has worked hard to improve her strength and agility.

"She is stronger than she has ever been so she is all set for a successful season of cricket."

Australia will also regain the services of big-hitting allrounder Grace Harris for the series in Sri Lanka.

The 22-year-old was a late withdrawal ahead of the World T20 in India when she was diagnosed with Deep Vein Thrombosis, but after a frustrating spell on the sidelines – necessitated by the blood-thinning medication required to treat the condition – Harris returned to the nets in late May.

Quick Single: Jonassen eyeing elevation after surgery

Speaking to cricket.com.au last month, fast bowler Holly Ferling said the feeling among the squad was a positive one heading into a busy six-month period that will see Australia tour Sri Lanka, host South Africa (November) and New Zealand (February) before a return trip across the Tasman.

"We've been carrying a couple of niggles but it's better to have them now with a big season coming up than get them halfway through the season," Ferling said.

"Everyone is coming good and it seems like everyone is going to be timing (their recovery) really well for September."

The first three ODIs of the series will offer Australia the chance to collect valuable ICC Women's Championship points, with the top four teams on the Championship table at the end of the year to gain automatic entry to next year's Women's World Cup in England.

The squad will depart Australia on September 12.