Australia Women’s Squad Gears Up for India Tour: Alyssa Healy’s Fitness Key, Lauren Cheatle Makes Comeback

Cricket Australia announces a formidable squad for the upcoming tour to India, including the return of Lauren Cheatle and a skipper yet to be finalized.

Cricket Australia has unveiled a robust squad for the anticipated tour to India, set to take place later this year. Despite the absence of a confirmed captain following Meg Lanning’s retirement, the team boasts a strong lineup, with Alyssa Healy leading in Lanning’s absence, contingent on her recovery from injury.

The management refrained from announcing the captaincy until Healy’s fitness is reassured, with the vice-captaincy also pending a final decision. Grace Harris, known for her explosive batting, reenters the T20 squad after missing the West Indies series.

Notably, Lauren Cheatle, the New South Wales pacer, earns a well-deserved call-up after a hiatus of four years. Having showcased commendable performances in the ongoing Women’s Big Bash League, Cheatle’s return adds depth to Australia’s bowling options for the series against India.

National Selector Shawn Flegler expressed optimism about Healy’s potential return for the Test match scheduled to begin on December 21. The decision regarding captaincy will be contingent on Healy’s recovery progress.

“Alyssa Healy’s finger is healing but remains in a splint, and our medical team are continuing to monitor her recovery closely. We’re obviously very hopeful she will be available for the Test, but those decisions are still a while away,” commented Shawn Flegler.

Flegler expressed delight at Cheatle’s resurgence, acknowledging her comeback from significant injuries. Lauren, having prior experience playing in India, particularly during the T20 World Cup in 2016, provides an additional fast-bowling option, crucial for the Test format.

“Lauren Cheatle has overcome significant injury setbacks and thoroughly deserves her place in the squad through her performances over the past six months. Lauren has playing experience in India and provides another fast-bowling option, particularly in regard to the Test match, which is the format she has been selected for,” stated Flegler.

Australia Women’s Tour Schedule:

• December 21-24: Test match, Wankhede Stadium, Mumbai
• December 28: First ODI, Wankhede Stadium, Mumbai
• December 30: Second ODI, Wankhede Stadium, Mumbai
• January 2: Third ODI, Wankhede Stadium, Mumbai
• January 5: First T20I, DY Patil Stadium, Navi Mumbai
• January 7: Second T20I, DY Patil Stadium, Navi Mumbai
• January 9: Third T20I, DY Patil Stadium, Navi Mumbai

Australia Women’s Squad for India Tour:

Darcie Brown, Lauren Cheatle (Test only), Heather Graham, Ashleigh Gardner, Kim Garth, Grace Harris (T20s only), Alyssa Healy, Jess Jonassen, Alana King, Phoebe Litchfield, Tahlia McGrath, Beth Mooney, Ellyse Perry, Megan Schutt, Annabel Sutherland, Georgia Wareham

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