Spots up for grabs as Australia seek balance

Spots are up for grabs in Australia's one-day XI for the Ashes after coach Matthew Mott admitted the team balance was "slightly out of whack" at the Women's World Cup in the UK earlier this year.

Australia will play a Queensland XI in two 50-over warm-ups this week ahead of the opening ODI of the multi-format Commonwealth Bank Women's Ashes next Sunday.

During the World Cup tournament, Australia fielded five front-line bowlers – allrounder Ellyse Perry, seamer Megan Schutt and spin trio Ashleigh Gardner, Jess Jonassen and Kristen Beams – relying on Elyse Villani's part-time seam when a sixth option was required.

It left Australia with few options during India star Harmanpreet Kaur's match-winning 171 not out in the semi-final and now Mott says addressing that balance will be a major focus throughout the next seven days.

"I think we learned some lessons from the World Cup that our sixth bowling option put us under a lot of pressure," Mott told cricket.com.au.

"We knew (the balance) was slightly out of whack over there.

"There are some spots up for grabs, but we have a strong squad and we're working hard to get our balance right. 

"This week we'll have another two opportunities for people to put their hands up."

Tweaking Australia's balance could see one of the top six batters make way for a third pace bowler, potentially South Australian allrounder Tahlia McGrath. Gardner's all-round ability may also see her considered for promotion up the order, making room for left-arm quick Lauren Cheatle.

But Mott is wary of making too many changes to Australia's batting, which has been a strength in recent times – particularly with world No.1 batter Meg Lanning sidelined for the summer after shoulder surgery.

"Realistically, from the balance we had over there, while the batting was performing very well there's pressure on those spots," Mott said. "And there's a lot of competition around."

"But we're also conscious of not weakening a strength to strengthen a weakness.

"So that whole balancing act is still in our thoughts. We think we've got a strong and a deep batting line-up.

"Someone will be desperately unlucky to miss out but that's what happens in good sides. 

"The best two sides in the world are going head to head and England will be leaving out some quality players as well."

All 14 members of Australia's ODI squad will be given opportunities in the two warm-ups, which will be played at Allan Border Field to give the hosts the perfect opportunity to adjust to the conditions.

"Everyone in the squad of 14 is a genuine chance of playing," Mott said.

"We saw some good results in the opening round of the Women's National Cricket League and now there are another couple of changes for people to really stake their claim and get first crack at it for the series."

The Australian squad assembled in Brisbane on Friday and will meet the Queensland XI in the first practice match on Monday.

Meanwhile the England squad has also arrived in Australia and have commenced their preparations ahead of two warm-up matches against a Cricket Australia XI on Monday and Wednesday.

Commonwealth Bank Women's Ashes

Australia squad (ODI and Test): Rachael Haynes (C), Alex Blackwell (VC), Kristen Beams, Nicole Bolton, Lauren Cheatle, Ashleigh Gardner, Rachael Haynes (C), Alyssa Healy, Jess Jonassen, Tahlia McGrath, Beth Mooney, Ellyse Perry, Megan Schutt, Belinda Vakarewa (Test only), Elyse Villani, Amanda-Jade Wellington.

England squad: Heather Knight (c), Tammy Beaumont, Katherine Brunt, Sophie Ecclestone, Georgia Elwiss, Jenny Gunn, Alex Hartley, Danielle Hazell, Laura Marsh, Anya Shrubsole, Sarah Taylor, Nat Sciver, Fran Wilson, Lauren Winfield, Danielle Wyatt.

Schedule

First ODI Allan Border Field, October 22

Brisbane Charity Partner: Lord Mayor's Charitable Trust

Second ODI Coffs International Stadium, October 26

Third ODI Coffs International Stadium, October 29

Coffs Junior Cricket Association Partners: Coffs Harbour District JCA, Nambucca Bellingen JCA, and Clarence River JCA

Day-Night Test North Sydney Oval, November 9-12

First T20 North Sydney Oval, November 17

North Sydney Charity Partner: McGrath Foundation

Second T20 Manuka Oval, November 19

Third T20 Manuka Oval, November 21

Canberra Charity Partner: Lord's Taverners ACT