Cricket Australia has announced two 13-player squads for the upcoming Green v Gold red-ball match, scheduled to be played at Bankstown Oval from April 8–10, as part of its continued focus on strengthening the women’s long-format pathway. The fixture remains one of the few opportunities in the domestic calendar for players to experience multi-day cricket.
Queensland all-rounder Charli Knott will captain the Green XI, while New South Wales opener Katie Mack will lead the Gold XI. Both sides feature a blend of established domestic performers and emerging talent, reflecting the depth within the system and the emphasis on developing players capable of transitioning to the international stage.
Green squad: Charli Knott (c), Jemma Barsby, Sophie Day, Emma de Broughe, Milly Illingworth, Eleanor Larosa, Claire Moore, Bridget Patterson, Madeline Penna, Hayley Silver-Holmes, Rachel Trenaman, Callie Wilson, Tayla Vlaeminck
Gold squad: Katie Mack (c), Maddy Darke, Lucy Finn, Hasrat Gill, Sianna Ginger, Ella Hayward, Amy Hunter, Anika Learoyd, Lilly Mills, Courtney Neale, Frankie Nicklin, Olivia Porter, Courtney Webb
One of the most notable inclusions is fast bowler Tayla Vlaeminck, who has been named in the Green squad after a lengthy injury layoff. Having not played since October 2024 due to a shoulder injury, her return will be closely monitored, with her workload expected to be managed across the three days. Her presence adds experience to the Green attack and provides an important step in her return to competitive cricket.
The squads also feature several emerging quicks, including Milly Illingworth, Sianna Ginger, Eleanor Larosa, Hayley Silver-Holmes and Lucy Finn, all of whom will benefit from the opportunity to bowl extended spells in red-ball conditions. The match provides a key platform for these players to demonstrate their ability to maintain control and consistency over longer periods.
In the batting departments, Katie Mack and Rachel Trenaman stand out following strong domestic seasons, while players such as Madeline Penna and Ella Hayward add versatility through their all-round capabilities. The Green v Gold fixture has grown in importance in recent years, particularly as Australia looks to build depth for longer formats. With limited opportunities for multi-day cricket, the match plays a critical role in assessing temperament, adaptability and game awareness.
Recent editions have been competitive.The 2024 match ended in a draw, with Georgia Voll producing a standout performance to be named player of the match. In 2025, CA Green secured a 121-run victory under the captaincy of Nicole Faltum. While the fixture does not alone carry the weight of international selection on its own, it remains a key reference point for selectors monitoring players outside the national setup. Performances across the three days, particularly in challenging conditions, are likely to influence future opportunities at the Australia A level and beyond.
As preparations continue, the focus for both teams will be on adapting to the demands of the longer format and making the most of a rare opportunity. The Green v Gold match offers a significant stage for players to press their claims and further their development within Australia’s high-performance pathway.
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