Australia unveil T20, ODI squads to tackle Sri Lanka

Perfecting a winning formula remains front of mind with Australia electing to stick with their proven performers for the upcoming T20I and ODI series against Sri Lanka.

The same group of 14 players which returned from an undefeated tour of the West Indies feature in the T20I squad unveiled today, with first of three games at North Sydney Oval to be staged on Sunday.

In Australia’s first venture on home soil since March, a squad of 13 players then travels to Allan Border Field in Brisbane for the 50-over leg of the series starting on October 5, with recent debunante Erin Burns omitted from the ODI squad.

Heather Graham, who missed out on making the XI in the Caribbean, will be hoping to make her debut in green and gold on home soil after being included in both squads.

Australia squad: Meg Lanning (C), Rachael Haynes (VC), Erin Burns (T20 squad only), Nicola Carey, Ashleigh Gardner, Heather Graham, Alyssa Healy, Jess Jonassen, Delissa Kimmince, Beth Mooney, Ellyse Perry, Megan Schutt, Tayla Vlaeminck, Georgia Wareham

With the T20 World Cup in Australia driving much of the thought process behind Australia’s team movements, National Selector Shawn Flegler says building consistency is key.

"The selectors have elected to stick with the same group of players that completed a 6-0 tour whitewash against the West indies recently with Erin Burns the unlucky player to miss out on the ODI squad," Flegler said.

"It’s been a big few months for the players with an away Ashes series and a short turnaround from the West Indies tour, and with back-to-back T20 matches we have named an extra player in the T20 squad as cover.

"With the T20 World Cup just under five months away it’s crucial to find some consistency in the T20 squad, and we feel like we have that which is pleasing.

"Sri Lanka is an up and coming side and will provide a good challenge across both formats, with the series also presenting the team with the opportunity to fine tune its preparations ahead of that World Cup.”

The ODI leg of the series will also hold extra gravitas for Australia, with ICC Women’s Championship points up for grabs in each of the 50-over fixtures.

An ODI series win against the West Indies saw Australia leapfrog current World Cup champions England to claim top spot on the ladder. The Championship determines which four teams – alongside hots New Zealand – will automatically qualify for the 2021 one-day World Cup.

After a rapid call up to Australia’s Ashes Test squad in July, allrounder Sophie Molineux continues to be treated with precaution as she recovers from shoulder surgery.

Nicole Bolton, who previously was a staple atop Australia’s one-day batting order, made herself unavailable for the tour of the Caribbean to focus on her mental health, however made great strides in the opening round of WNCL with scores of 77 and 63 for Western Australia.

The Australia squad are currently enjoying some rest after a whirlwind three-month stint before they gather in Sydney for a training camp to fine-tune preparations.

Meanwhile, a host of up-and comers have been named in Cricket Australia XI that will have an opportunity to take on Sri Lanka in a T20 match at Hurstville Oval on Friday.

South Australia Scorpions captain Tahlia McGrath will also take on captaincy duties for the tour match, with Heather Graham also included in the squad as vice-captain to presumably allow for some match practice.

Cricket Australia XI squad: Tahlia McGrath (C), Heather Graham (VC), Darcie Brown, Stella Campbell, Hannah Darlington, Josie Dooley, Nicole Faltum, Charli Knott, Phoebe Litchfield, Hayley Silver-Holmes, Annabel Sutherland, Tahlia Wilson

Under the tutelage of Leah Poulton, the youthful squad will head into the match with plenty of match practice under their belts courtesy of the recently completed round of WNCL.

"The selectors have picked an exciting squad that features a mix of the best emerging talent from a range of pathway programs for the fixture which presents the players with a fantastic opportunity to test themselves against international opposition,” Poulton said.

"Tahlia and Heather, who have both spent time in the Australian setup and have a large amount of experience at domestic level, will provide great leadership to the young group.”

"For players like Darcie, Charli, Phoebe and Hayley who are just 16 years of age, this match is another important step in their development and no doubt they’ll benefit from the experience of being around more experience players.”

The opening round of WNCL saw particularly impressive performances came from 19-year-old Tahlia Wilson, whose knock of 95 steered the NSW Breakers to a final over win on Sunday.
Allrounder Annabel Sutherland scored 98 runs and took three wickets across her two matches for Victoria.

Tickets are available for three T20Is at North Sydney Oval and the three ODIs at Allan Border Field via cricket.com.au/tickets. Adults tickets are priced at $15 while kids are granted free entry to the matches that will feature plenty of family fun, entertainment and giveaways.

All matches will be broadcast live and free on Channel 7, Fox Sports and Kayo.