Sydney: Defending champions Australia have unveiled a strong and experienced squad for the upcoming ICC Women’s T20 World Cup in England, but the omission of fast bowler Darcie Brown has emerged as the biggest talking point ahead of the tournament.
Brown, who featured in Australia’s last two T20 World Cup campaigns, has been left out despite taking 34 wickets in 41 T20 internationals. Her pace and aggressive bowling style had made her a regular figure in Australia’s white-ball setup, making the decision a surprise for many followers of the women’s game.
In a bold move, selectors have instead backed young left-arm pacer Lucy Hamilton, who has played just one T20 international so far. Although relatively inexperienced at the senior level, Hamilton has steadily risen through the ranks after captaining Australia at the ICC Under-19 Women’s T20 World Cup last year.
She has since featured during Australia’s tour of the West Indies and also appeared in the recent multi-format home series against India. Team management believes her left-arm variation and ability to adapt to English conditions could provide an added edge to the bowling attack.
Australia will be led by left-arm spinner Sophie Molineux, who returns to captaincy duties after overcoming fitness concerns earlier this year. Her presence strengthens an already experienced core featuring Ellyse Perry, Beth Mooney, Ash Gardner, Tahlia McGrath and Megan Schutt.
Veteran all-rounder Ellyse Perry is also approaching a historic milestone and could become the first player to feature in 50 Women’s T20 World Cup matches if she plays throughout the tournament.
Among the emerging players, Phoebe Litchfield returns after appearing in the previous edition, while Georgia Voll has earned her maiden World Cup call-up following an impressive domestic and franchise season. Voll scored 474 runs in 12 innings at a strike rate above 156, including a century and three half-centuries, and played a key role in Royal Challengers Bengaluru Women winning their second Women’s Premier League title earlier this year.
Australia have also recalled all-rounder Nicola Carey, a member of the country’s victorious 2020 T20 World Cup squad. Carey recently impressed during the Women’s Premier League with Mumbai Indians Women, contributing effectively with both bat and ball.
Australia have been placed in Group 1 alongside South Africa women’s national cricket team, India women’s national cricket team, Pakistan women’s national cricket team, Bangladesh women’s national cricket team and Netherlands women’s national cricket team.
The six-time champions will open their campaign against South Africa on June 13 at Old Trafford Cricket Ground before taking on Bangladesh, the Netherlands, Pakistan and India during the group stage. Their June 28 clash against India at Lord’s Cricket Ground is already being viewed as one of the marquee fixtures of the tournament.
