Australia’s much-anticipated summer of cricket 2025-26 will spark to life this August, as Alyssa Healy, returning from a string of injuries, headlines a strong Australia A squad set to face India A in a crucial multi-format series.
With the ODI World Cup in India looming, the three-match one-day series in Brisbane and the T20 games in Mackay are seen as a golden opportunity for emerging and established stars to impress selectors.
Alyssa Healy, the talismanic Australian captain, will be back in national colours for the first time since her injury-plagued start to 2025. The 35-year-old, who missed the T20 World Cup semi-final in 2024, the subsequent WBBL, and several international series since due to foot and knee issues, will look to put a challenging year behind her. Not just a player, Healy’s presence will be vital for the squad’s morale and leadership as they eye World Cup glory later in the year.
Vice-captain Tahlia McGrath, who will lead the 50-over squad with Charli Knott as deputy, brings her considerable experience, while Knott herself captains the T20 and four-day squads, an exciting nod to Australia’s focus on nurturing future leaders. Alongside Healy, fellow Cricket Australia (CA) contracted stars Darcie Brown and Kim Garth add depth and balance to the lineup.
All eyes will be on Tess Flintoff, who, after receiving her maiden national contract, has a chance to push for full international honours. For the red-ball challenge, young talents – Sianna Ginger, Ella Hayward, and Lucy Hamilton – will look to cement their reputations.
With eleven Australian regulars competing in The Hundred this August, these A matches are particularly significant for aspiring stars. National selector Shawn Flegler emphasised the series’ importance, highlighting both on-field opportunity and invaluable leadership development.
“Given its timing, this series provides those Australian players not involved in The Hundred valuable game time ahead of the World Cup,” Flegler noted. “Developing future leaders is also hugely important, and we’re pleased that Charli (Knott) will take the reins as she did last year.”
Dan Marsh (T20s and ODIs) and Gavan Twining (four-day) will serve as head coaches, aiming to further Australia’s tradition of developing the next generation. All matches will be streamed live on cricket.com.au and Kayo Sports, bringing fans closer to the action as the road to the World Cup intensifies.
Australia A Squads:
50-Over Squad:
Tahlia McGrath (C), Charli Knott (VC), Lauren Cheatle, Darcie Brown, Nicole Faltum, Tess Flintoff, Kim Garth, Sianna Ginger, Lucy Hamilton, Ella Hayward, Alyssa Healy, Anika Learoyd, Rachel Trenaman, Tahlia Wilson
T20 Squad:
Tahlia McGrath (C), Charli Knott (VC), Lauren Cheatle, Darcie Brown, Nicole Faltum, Tess Flintoff, Kim Garth, Sianna Ginger, Lucy Hamilton, Ella Hayward, Alyssa Healy, Anika Learoyd, Rachel Trenaman, Tahlia Wilson
Four-Day Squad:
Charli Knott (C) Nicole Faltum (VC) Lauren Cheatle, Maddy Darke, Sianna Ginger, Lucy Hamilton, Ella Hayward, Anika Learoyd, Maitlan Brown, Lilly Mills, Georgia Prestwidge, Rachel Trenaman, Courtney Webb, Tahlia Wilson
Australia vs India Women’s ‘A’ Series 2025, Schedule:
1st T20: August 7, Great Barrier Reef Arena, Mackay (6 PM AEST)
2nd T20: August 9, Great Barrier Reef Arena, Mackay (6 PM aesthetic)
3rd T20: August 10, Great Barrier Reef Arena, Mackay (6 PM AEST)
1st One Dayer: August 13, Northern Suburbs Cricket Club, Brisbane (9:30 AM AEST)
2nd One Dayer: August 15, Northern Suburbs Cricket Club, Brisbane (9:30 AM AEST)
3rd One Dayer: August 17, Northern Suburbs Cricket Club, Brisbane (9:30 AM AEST)
Only four-day game: August 21-24, Allan Border Field, Brisbane (9:30 AM AEST)
This Australia A tour is more than just preparation; it’s a proving ground for emerging stars and a stage for legends like Healy to inspire once more. With India A providing stiff competition, all eyes will be on the action Down Under as Australia’s World Cup campaign shifts into gear.
(Quote sourced from cricket.com.au)
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