Australia’s women’s cricket team is set to embark on an exciting tour of Ireland, where they will face off against the Irish team in a three-match One Day International (ODI) series. This bilateral series holds great significance as it is part of the ICC Women’s Championship, a competition that determines automatic qualification for the 2025 World Cup in India.
The Australian squad, led by captain Alyssa Healy, features a mix of experienced players and promising newcomers, including the Dublin-born fast bowler Kim Garth, who will make a remarkable homecoming for this tour.
The three-match ODI series between Australia and Ireland will take place in Dublin, with matches scheduled for July 23, July 25, and July 28. The matches will be held at the historic Castle Avenue ground, providing a picturesque backdrop for the intense cricketing action.
🚨Squad Alert 🚨
Check out 🇦🇺 Australia's squad for the ODI series against 🇮🇪 Ireland starting on 23rd July 👇🏻
• Megan Schutt has been rested
• Heather Graham 🔙 in the squad 🏏#CricketTwitter #IREvAUS 📸: Getty pic.twitter.com/bjTYGABQvx— Female Cricket (@imfemalecricket) June 30, 2023
The Cricket Australia National Selection Panel (NSP) has named a strong 14-player squad for the upcoming Women’s ODI Tour of Ireland. Alongside captain Alyssa Healy, the squad includes players like Darcie Brown, Ashleigh Gardner, Heather Graham, and Grace Harris. The inclusion of Kim Garth in the squad adds depth and versatility to Australia’s lineup, as she brings with her invaluable experience of playing in those conditions.
Australia Women’s Squad for Ireland Series
Alyssa Healy (c), Darcie Brown, Ashleigh Gardner, Kim Garth, Heather Graham, Grace Harris, Jess Jonassen, Alana King, Phoebe Litchfield, Tahlia McGrath, Beth Mooney, Ellyse Perry, Annabel Sutherland, Georgia Wareham
Garth was already a star in Ireland after she made her senior debut as a 14-year-old. She won 114 caps, was vice-captain, and was named Ireland cricketer of the decade in 2021 – eight months after she halted her international career. With no professionalism for Irish women to make cricket their career, a move to Australia in 2020 beckoned in a “now or never decision”. Kim Garth getting selected for Australia’s 14-player squad for their forthcoming trip to Ireland is ready to square off against her former teammates.
While the Australian squad for the Ireland tour is strong, one notable absence is fast bowler Megan Schutt. Following the women’s Ashes series, Schutt will be given a rest to recuperate and prepare for the upcoming challenges. Such decisions allow boards to manage players’ workload and ensure their long-term fitness and performance, but concerns raise over this decision as Schutt hasn’t really played a lot of cricket lately.
The Australian women’s cricket team has established itself as a dominant force in international cricket. With a rich history of success, including multiple World Cup victories and Ashes triumphs, the Australian team is known for their exceptional skills, teamwork, and determination. The Ireland tour presents another opportunity for the team to showcase their talent and continue their winning streak.