As the closely contested multi-format series between Australia A and England A reaches its final chapter, all eyes now turn to the four-day encounter set to begin on April 12 at Cricket Central in Sydney. After three weeks of competitive cricket, both teams enter the red-ball fixture with a win apiece — England A claiming the T20 series 1-0, and Australia A responding strongly with a 2-1 victory in the ODIs.
The upcoming first-class match not only serves as the decider of bragging rights but also as a crucial platform for players on the fringes of national selection to showcase their red-ball credentials.
Squads:
Australia A Women
Charli Knott (C), Nicole Faltum (VC, WK), Maitlan Brown, Lauren Cheatle, Maddy Darke, Sophie Day, Tess Flintoff, Sianna Ginger, Nicola Hancock, Ella Hayward, Anika Learoyd, Lilly Mills, Rachel Trenaman, Tahlia Wilson
England A Women
Grace Scrivens (C), Hollie Armitage, Alice Capsey, Georgia Davis, Kirstie Gordon, Eva Gray, Jodi Grewcock, Charis Pavely, Grace Potts, Paige Scholfield, Grace Scrivens, Seren Smale, Alexa Stonehouse, Mady Villiers, Issy Wong
Players to watch out:
Nicole Faltum
Nicole Faltum was in fine touch in the 2024/25 Women’s National Cricket League, amassing 438 runs in 12 innings at an impressive average of 36.50. With five half-centuries to her name and a top score of 90, she’s consistently anchored the innings for her side. Her ability to build partnerships and adapt to different match situations makes her a vital cog in the batting line-up. Heading into the four-day clash, Faltum will be one to watch.
Tahlia Wilson
Tahlia Wilson has been the standout performer with the bat in the 2024/25 Women’s National Cricket League, finishing as the tournament’s highest run-getter and will be a vital player in the one-off four-day game. She piled on 667 runs in 13 innings at a remarkable average of 55.58, including two centuries and two fifties. Her highest score of 142 showcased her ability to dominate bowling attacks and anchor the innings with authority. With form on her side and confidence running high, Wilson will be a key figure in Australia A’s top order heading into the red-ball contest.
Hollie Armitage
Hollie Armitage brings flair and aggression to England A’s batting line-up, having scored 370 runs in 10 innings during the 2024/25 Women’s National Cricket League at an impressive strike rate of 95.36. Her attacking approach was highlighted by a brilliant century, underlining her ability to shift between gears seamlessly and putting the pressure back on the bowlers. Armitage was also the 8th highest run-getter in the Rachael Heyhoe Flint Trophy, 2024, scoring runs 435 at an average of 43.50.
Alexa Stonehouse
Left-arm medium pacer Alexa Stonehouse will be one of the key bowlers to look out for in the contest. The 20-year-old, with the aid of swing and seam, was a consistent threat with the ball in the 2024 Rachael Heyhoe Flint Trophy, scalping 15 wickets in 11 matches. With the best bowling figures of 4/27, a miser economy rate of 5.23, and an incredible average of 23.73, she combined control with wicket-taking ability throughout the tournament. Her ability to extract movement from the pitch will play a force to deal with for the Australian batters, especially in tough red-ball conditions.
Pitch:
The surface tends to assist pacers early on, offering good bounce and carry, which makes shot-making challenging in the initial stages. However, once batters find their rhythm, there’s plenty of opportunity to build a strong innings.
Weather:
For the first couple of days, there are chances of full days of play being possible in Sydney. However, light showers are expected on Monday and Tuesday, playing spoilsport in a 4-day game, if the skies don’t clear.
Fantasy Playing XI:
Nicole Faltum, Grace Scrivens, Maddy Darke, Alice Capsey, Paige Scholfield, Charli Knott, Ella Hayward, Tahlia Wilson, Maitlan Brown, Lauren Cheatle, Mady Villiers
Match details:
Date – April 12-15, 2025
Time – 5:00 AM IST
Venue – Cricket Central, Sydney
Broadcast – T.B.C.
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