Australia A have announced a strong 15-player squad for their upcoming multi-format tour of India, with experienced fast bowlers Tayla Vlaeminck and Darcie Brown returning to the national setup. The squad includes a good mix of experienced players and exciting young talent, giving several rising cricketers an opportunity to play in challenging subcontinental conditions. Australia A will face India A in three T20 matches, three One-Day matches and one four-day match, with the tour beginning on September 12, 2026.
The biggest news from the squad is the return of Tayla Vlaeminck, who is set to play top-level cricket again after another difficult period with injuries. The Victorian fast bowler has faced several injury setbacks during her career, including shoulder, knee and foot injuries that have kept her away from the game for long periods. Her most recent injury came during the 2024 ICC Women’s T20 World Cup, when she dislocated her bowling shoulder while fielding on the boundary in Australia’s opening match. After many months of recovery, she is finally ready to return to competitive cricket.
Cricket Australia has carefully managed Vlaeminck’s comeback over the past few months. Earlier this year, she played in the Green vs Gold three-day red-ball match, where she was limited to six overs in each innings. She finished with bowling figures of 1/15 and 0/11, which was an encouraging step in her recovery. During the Australian winter, she also trained with Yorkshire in England and spent time with Australia’s senior squad during the Women’s T20 World Cup. Although the 27-year-old lost her Cricket Australia contract in April because of her long injury history, this Australia A selection is another important step in her comeback.
Joining Vlaeminck in the pace attack is Darcie Brown, who also returns after missing Australia’s successful ICC Women’s T20 World Cup campaign. Brown’s absence from the World Cup squad surprised many because she had been a regular member of Australia’s bowling attack over the last few years. During the tournament, Queensland left-arm fast bowler Lucy Hamilton impressed with her performances and strengthened her place in the senior side. Brown will now look to perform well in India and push for a return to Australia’s main squad.
National selector Shawn Flegler said it was great to see both experienced fast bowlers back in Australian colours. He believes their experience will also help the younger players in the squad continue their development.
“It’s great to have Tayla back in the green and gold and to have Darcie back in action. Both bring invaluable international experience to the group and having them alongside some of our younger players provides a great opportunity for those emerging cricketers to learn from two world-class fast bowlers while continuing their own development.”
Australia A have also selected several talented young players who have impressed in domestic cricket. More than half of the squad is 25 years old or younger, showing Australia’s focus on developing future international players. Two of the youngest members are Frankie Nicklin and Sianna Ginger, both just 21 years old. Nicklin recently produced one of the best performances in the Green vs Gold match, taking eight wickets to help Gold record a comfortable 148-run victory.
The captaincy will be shared across the three formats during the tour. Tahlia Wilson, who travelled with Australia’s senior team as the reserve wicketkeeper during the Women’s T20 World Cup, will captain the 50-over side. Victorian wicketkeeper Nicole Faltum will lead Australia A in the T20 series, while Tasmanian batter Rachel Trenaman will captain the team in the four-day match.
Flegler believes this tour will give Australia’s young players valuable experience in Indian conditions and help prepare them for international cricket in the future.
“This tour presents the players with a fantastic opportunity to gain valuable experience in subcontinental conditions and test themselves against strong international opposition. Exposure to Indian conditions early in a player’s career is invaluable and those experiences provide an important foundation before they make the step up to international cricket.”
Australia A will be coached by Gavan Twining, who moves into the role after working as an assistant coach with Australia’s senior women’s team. He will be joined by Mick Delaney and former Australian leg-spinner Cameron Boyce, giving the squad a highly experienced coaching group for the important tour.
Australia A Women’s Squad
Darcie Brown, Maitlan Brown, Nicole Faltum, Tess Flintoff, Sianna Ginger, Charli Knott, Anika Learoyd, Katie Mack, Lilly Mills, Frankie Nicklin, Hayley Silver-Holmes, Rachel Trenaman, Courtney Webb, Tahlia Wilson, Tayla Vlaeminck
Australia A Women’s Tour of India 2026 Schedule
First T20: September 12, 2026 – Maharaja Yadavindra Singh International Stadium, New Chandigarh
Second T20: September 15, 2026 – Maharaja Yadavindra Singh International Stadium, New Chandigarh
Third T20: September 17, 2026 – Maharaja Yadavindra Singh International Stadium, New Chandigarh
First One-Day Match: September 20, 2026 – IS Bindra Stadium, Mohali (Day/Night)
Second One-Day Match: September 23, 2026 – IS Bindra Stadium, Mohali
Third One-Day Match: September 25, 2026 – IS Bindra Stadium, Mohali (Day/Night)
Four-Day Match: September 29 – October 2, 2026 – Himachal Pradesh Cricket Association Stadium, Dharamshala
The India tour will be an important opportunity for every player in the squad. It will allow the younger players to gain valuable experience in overseas conditions while facing strong opposition. For Tayla Vlaeminck, it is another major step in her long journey back after several injury setbacks. Australia A will also hope the tour helps identify future players who can make the step up to the senior Australian team in the coming years.
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