Australia’s skipper Alyssa Healy, alongside Georgia Voll, Darcie Brown, and Heather Graham, has been named in the Governor-General’s XI to face England ahead of the Women’s Ashes.
Victoria’s Nicole Faltum will lead the 14-player Governor-General’s XI squad against England. The team features a mix of young talent and experienced players. The match is scheduled for January 9 at North Sydney Oval, serving as a prelude to the Women’s Ashes, which begins on January 12.
Keeper-batter Alyssa Healy, who recently recovered from the knee injury she sustained during Women’s Big Bash League (WBBL) 10, made her comeback during Australia’s three-match ODI series in New Zealand, albeit playing as a specialist batter throughout the series. The knee injury had limited her participation in the WBBL to just four games for the Sydney Sixers. For Healy, it is about game time, having had very limited time in the middle.
Nicole Faltum will be supported by Charli Knott, who has been named the vice-captain of the side. Knott impressed earlier this year during India A’s multi-format series against Australia, showcasing her potential as a reliable leader and performer.
Georgia Voll, who recently made her international debut for Australia in the home series against India, is also part of the 14-player squad. Joining her are Victorian pacer Darcie Brown and all-rounder Heather Graham, both of whom bring valuable experience to the lineup.
The squad includes leading aircraftwoman Samantha Quadrio, representing the Australian Defence Force, and promising youngsters like Milly Illingworth, Tess Flintoff, Rhys McKenna, and Anika Learoyd, all of whom have made their mark in the WBBL and age domestic fixtures. Sophie Day and Amy Smith bolster the spin department.
Shawn Flegler, CA’s head of performance and National selector expressed his thoughts on the squad announcement stating that the match against England provides a crucial opportunity for the players to gain valuable match practice ahead of the high-stakes Ashes series. While the inclusion of Alyssa Healy, who is making a gradual return from injury, Healy’s recovery process, and her participation as a key player.
“The match gives a number of Australian contract players the chance to gain valuable time out in the middle ahead of the Ashes, in particular Alyssa Healy, who is making a gradual return from a knee injury,” CA’s Head of Performance and National Selector, Shawn Flegler, said.
Flegler added, “The players selected have impressed throughout the summer across a variety of competitions, and we’re looking forward to seeing what they can do against a world-class opponent.”
Governor-General’s XI Squad:
Nicole Faltum (C), Charli Knott (VC), Alyssa Healy, Darcie Brown, Heather Graham, Georgia Voll, Samantha Quadrio, Tess Flintoff, Sophie Day, Amy Smith, Milly Illingworth, Anika Learoyd, Rhys McKenna, Tahlia Wilson
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