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Women's Ashes squads take shape

Squads for 50-over and Test components of the multi-format series are set to be announced on Tuesday

Australia are set to name their squads for the first two portions of the multi-format Commonwealth Bank Women’s Ashes on Tuesday, featuring at least two potential Test debutants.

Squads will be named for the three-match ODI series, which includes matches in Brisbane and Coffs Harbour, and the sole Test of the series, a day-night encounter at North Sydney Oval.

Selectors watched with interest the opening round of the Women’s National Cricket League at the weekend, which saw every team play two matches as the country’s top players vied for Ashes berths.

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A group of 16 players trained at the Bupa National Cricket Centre in Brisbane last month, with the contracted internationals joined by invitees Ashleigh Gardner, Molly Strano, Sarah Aley and Belinda Vakarewa.

The Australian selectors aren’t expected to have cast their net too widely from that group, and it seems likely the same players who represented their country in the Women’s World Cup in England earlier this year will be selected in the ODI squad.

But the sheer number of unknowns over the first-ever women’s day-night Test, combined with the fact Australia will play a three-day pink-ball warm-up in Canberra ahead of the match, mean selectors are likely to err on the side of adding one or two extra squad members when it comes to choosing their group of potential Test players, opening the door for a new face or two from the group who toured England.

One thing is certain: Australia’s squad won’t contain injured captain Meg Lanning, who is sidelined for the entire summer after undergoing shoulder surgery. NSW batter Rachael Haynes has already been confirmed as skipper in her absence. 

What is less certain is which players Australia will look to for success in the crucial Test, which is worth four points under the multi-format system.

Uncapped allrounder Ashleigh Gardner is almost certain to feature in that squad, while another potential Test debutant Amanda-Jade Wellington is also likely to be included. 

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One player who may return to the fold is left-arm quick Lauren Cheatle, who missed the World Cup due to shoulder surgery. However, the 18-year-old has played just one match since recovering from the injury, bowling seven overs against Victoria in the Women’s National Cricket League on Sunday, she may not be deemed ready for a return to the international level in either the ODIs or the Test. 

Off-spinner Strano, who made a successful start to her international career in the T20Is against New Zealand in February, is another possibility for the Test squad, although the recent success of fellow finger spinner Gardner may not leave room for a second offie.

Another who may come into calculations is veteran quick Rene Farrell, who took 2-32 and 2-38 in two matches for NSW. Farrell retired from ODI cricket in April, but stated at the time she remained available for Test selection.

If there is to be a bolter in the squad, members of the inaugural CA women’s National Performance Squad – who trained alongside the Australians at their pre-Ashes camp last month – would likely come into calculations. WA quick Piepa Cleary impressed with a four-wicket haul against South Australia on Friday, while promising allrounder Tahlia McGrath, who has one ODI appearance under her belt already, scored 80 for the Scorpions on Sunday, although she is still building her bowling loads up after returning from injury and may be deemed too risky a selection.

A Cricket Australia XI will also be named for two 50-over warm-up matches against England, with some of the country’s brightest young stars to be given a chance to test themselves against the recent World Cup champions.


Commonwealth Bank Women's Ashes

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