Schutt's return creates Australian selection dilemma

Megan Schutt is set to return to Australia's XI for the upcoming Ashes one-day internationals, but the star bowler's comeback is set to create a headache for team selectors.

Schutt, the world's third-ranked ODI bowler and one of the most experienced members of Australia's attack, was a shock omission from the Test XI at Manuka Oval.

Her absence was put down to a recent COVID-19 diagnosis that left her underdone coming into the multi-format series, and also the team's desire to include bowlers deemed most likely to help Australia take 20 wickets.

Coach Matthew Mott confirmed on Sunday that Schutt would "definitely" be in the XI for the one-day games, starting on Thursday.

"She'd kill me if she didn't come back in for these three ODIs," Mott said with a smile.

"She's been fantastic around this decision (to miss the Test). We communicated pretty early that it wasn't going to be in her best interests.

"I think the medical team have worked on her really well.

"She'll definitely come back in for the first couple of ODIs and hopefully all three and hopefully lead that World Cup really well."

With pace bowlers Schutt and Ellyse Perry automatic selections alongside the world's best ODI bowler in Jess Jonassen, there will be a squeeze for the remaining spots.

Tahlia McGrath's form with the bat against India at the start of the summer and so far in the Ashes has her all-but locked into a top six that will also contain Alyssa Healy, Rachael Haynes, Meg Lanning, Perry and Beth Mooney.

Ashleigh Gardner, on Saturday named the Belinda Clark Award winner after a strong year at international level, is also expected to be selected.

That would leave just two spots for Darcie Brown, Annabel Sutherland, Nicola Carey and Alana King.

Carey has been a regular selection in recent years due to her skill as a change-up bowler in the middle-overs and her ability at the death, but all of Brown, Sutherland and King impressed during the Test.

"I haven't even thought about it yet to be honest," Mott said of which bowlers to leave out.

"It's going to be tough.

"We've been leaving good players out throughout the whole series.

"Even just seeing a couple of youngsters on the bench today who missed out on the Aussie A team (who played England A on Sunday), Phoebe Litchfield and Tess Flintoff … I'm just really excited about the depth that we've got.

"So it means for some unpopular decisions at times, but I'd rather be in that spot (than the alternative)."

Australia need to win just one of the three ODIs to retain the Ashes and two to win the series outright, something the hosts are desperate to do after tying the last home series in 2017 at eight points apiece.

The games will also serve as a chance to gauge their one-day form against one of their rivals for the upcoming ODI World Cup in New Zealand, due to get underway in early March.

Australia announced their 15-player squad for the ICC tournament last week, with 'A' squad members Grace Harris and Amanda-Jade Wellington the additions to those already in the Ashes squad. 

Commonwealth Bank Women's Ashes v England

Australia Ashes squad: Darcie Brown, Nicola Carey, Stella Campbell, Hannah Darlington, Ashleigh Gardner, Rachael Haynes (vc), Alyssa Healy, Jess Jonassen, Alana King, Meg Lanning (c), Tahlia McGrath, Beth Mooney, Ellyse Perry, Megan Schutt, Annabel Sutherland

England Ashes squad: Heather Knight (c), Tammy Beaumont, Maia Bouchier, Katherine Brunt, Kate Cross, Freya Davies, Charlie Dean, Sophia Dunkley, Sophie Ecclestone, Tash Farrant, Sarah Glenn, Amy Jones, Nat Sciver (vc), Anya Shrubsole, Mady Villiers, Lauren Winfield-Hill, Danni Wyatt

Australia lead the multi-format series 6-4

Jan 20: Australia won by nine wickets

Jan 22: No Result

Jan 23: Match Abandoned without a ball bowled

Jan 27-30: Match Drawn

Feb 3: First ODI, Manuka Oval (D/N), 2.10pm AEDT

Feb 6: Second ODI, Junction Oval, 10.05am AEDT

Feb 8: Third ODI, Junction Oval, 10.05am AEDT