Aley called into Southern Stars squad

New South Wales and Sydney Sixers fast bowler Sarah Aley is in line to make her Australian debut after receiving a late call-up to the Commonwealth Bank Southern Stars squad to play New Zealand next week.

Aley, who was the leading wicket-taker in the Rebel Women’s Big Bash League, has been called into an Australian squad for the first time, brought in as cover for teenage quick Lauren Cheatle for the three-match T20 series.

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Left-arm pace bowler Cheatle, 18, sustained an injury to her right shoulder during a training session last week.

Should she make her debut, 32-year-old Aley would become the fourth oldest woman to do so in a women’s T20 for Australia behind Cathryn Fitzpatrick (37), Belinda Clark (34) and Lisa Keightley (34). 

One of the most consistent players in Australian domestic 50-over and T20 competitions, Aley had a stellar summer with the ball, taking 28 wickets at 11.75 with the very handy economy rate of 5.68 in WBBL|02.

She was named Player of the Match in this year’s final, after taking 4-23 to lead the Sixers to victory over the Perth Scorchers at the WACA.

"Sarah had yet another consistent season in both the T20 and 50-over competitions this season and there’s no doubt she’s earned her selection,” National Selector Shawn Flegler said.

"She’s got a wealth of experience and we know that if the opportunity arises she will be able to perform the role she’s given; you always know what you are going to get with Sarah.

"With the World Cup just around the corner, we’re asking players to put their hands up and put in some strong performances, and that’s certainly what Sarah has done.”

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Cheatle is expected to be available for the second and third matches of the series, with selectors opting for a conservative approach to her rehabilitation process. 

"Lauren is close to full fitness but we want to ensure she is 100 per cent ready to go before she returns to action,” said Flegler. 

Following the WBBL|02 final, Sixers captain Alyssa Healy said Aley had been “unlucky” to have never received a call up for Australia.

"I played Shooting Stars for Australia with Aley, she was my captain, and she was probably one of the most unlucky not to play for Australia … whenever you need her in any team she does the job for you,” Healy said.

"She pulls it out in the big games and she did it again (in the final).”

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Australia will play the White Ferns in three T20s in Melbourne (February 17), Geelong (February 19) and Adelaide (February 22), before flying across the Tasman to play three ODIs in Auckland (February 26) and Mount Maunganui (March 2 and 5).

All three T20 matches are double headers with the men's KFC T20 INTL series against Sri Lanka.

The three T20s will be played as double-headers alongside the men’s KFC T20 INTL series against Sri Lanka, with all three matches to be broadcast live on Nine’s Wide World of Sports.

Australia squad: Meg Lanning (c), Sarah Aley (T20 only) Kristen Beams, Alex Blackwell, Nicole Bolton (ODI only), Lauren Cheatle, Rene Farrell, Ashleigh Gardner, Alyssa Healy, Jess Jonassen, Beth Mooney, Ellyse Perry (ODI only, pending fitness), Megan Schutt, Molly Strano (T20 only), Elyse Villani, Amanda-Jade Wellington

Australia v New Zealand T20s

17 February: MCG, Melbourne, 2.05pm AEDT

19 February: Kardinia Park, Geelong, 2.35pm AEDT

22 February: Adelaide Oval, Adelaide, 2.05pm AEDT

Australia v New Zealand ODIs

26 February: Eden Park No.2, Auckland, 9am AEDT

2 March: Bay Oval, Mount Maunganui, 9am AEDT 

5 March: Bay Oval, Mount Maunganui, 9am AEDT