Australian captain Alyssa Healy and vice-captain Tahlia McGrath will feature in the upcoming Australia A series to be played against India A across Queensland in August.
National selectors have named three separate squads for the series that will feature a trio of T20s in Mackay as well as three 50-over matches and a four-day clash in Brisbane.
Current and future stars of Australian and Indian cricket will go head-to-head across the multi-format series as part of an ongoing four-year agreement between the two nations.
Healy and McGrath will be joined by Australian fast-bowlers Kim Garth and Darcie Brown, with the quartet to use the series as preparation for the ICC Women’s World Cup to be played in India in October, while Tess Flintoff, the latest addition to the national contract list, will be looking to impress selectors and push for a maiden call-up to the world-champion side.
Queenslander Charli Knott will further add to her leadership credentials by captaining the T20 and four-day sides, with McGrath to take the reins in the 50-over format.
Australian Women’s Team assistants Dan Marsh (T20 and 50-over) and Gavan Twining (four-day) have been named head coaches, with Scott Prestwidge their assistant.
National Selector, Shawn Flegler said the Australia A program has been instrumental in developing the next generation of Australian players.
“We have a similar agreement with England which allows us to provide opportunities for players the National selectors have identified as having the potential to play for Australia, to play against quality opposition and in variety of conditions.
“Given its timing, this series also provides those Australian players not involved in The Hundred valuable gametime ahead of the World Cup and the squads will no doubt benefit from their experience.
“Developing future leaders is also hugely important and we’re pleased that Charli will take the reins as she did last year, with support from senior players Nicole Faltum and Tahlia Wilson.”
Great Barrier Reef Arena Chief Executive Officer, Adrian Young said, “We’re extremely proud to welcome back Australia A and India A to the Great Barrier Reef Arena.
"Hosting these T20 matches is not only a testament to the quality of our venue but also to the strength of regional sport.
"These matches will inspire the next generation of female athletes and showcase our commitment to being a world-class home for elite and inclusive cricket in regional Australia.”
Women’s Australia A v India A Series
7 August: First T20, 6pm, Great Barrier Reef Arena, Mackay
9 August: Second T20, 6pm, Great Barrier Reef Arena, Mackay
10 August: Third T20, 6pm, Great Barrier Reef Arena, Mackay
Tahlia McGrath and Alyssa Healy batting together during a practice match against a Mumbai in 2023. Photo source: Cricket Australia
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