Australia retain World Cup winning squad for Commonwealth Games, Ireland Tri-Series

Birmingham will see the debut of women's T20 cricket at the Commonwealth Games. Australia have been grouped with India, Pakistan, and Barbados in Group A. Group B comprises England, New Zealand, South Africa, and Sri Lanka. The top two teams from each group will make it to the semi-finals after the conclusion of the group stage and will advance to the bronze and gold medal matches.

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Both tournaments will present, Shelley Nitschke, the recently announced interim Head Coach with the opportunity to make the ideal start of her stint.

Australia’s Head of Performance (Women’s Cricket) and National Selector, Shawn Flegler mentioned that after winning the 50-over World Cup in New Zealand the focus is now on doing well in the T20 circuit with the Commonwealth Games and the 2023 ICC Women's T20 World Cup in South Africa around the corner.

“Following the success of the side at the recent World Cup, the focus now turns to the T20 format with two major tournaments – the Commonwealth Games and 2023 ICC Women's T20 World Cup in South Africa – on the horizon.

“The team’s style of play has been fairly consistent over the past couple of years, in both T20 and 50-over formats, and so we’ve been focusing on developing players who can play across formats; it’s great that we’ve been able to retain the same group of players that competed so well at the World Cup.

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“The Tri-Series in Northern Ireland presents a great opportunity to play in northern hemisphere conditions ahead of the Commonwealth Games, whilst facing Pakistan, who Australia faces in the pool rounds, and an emerging Irish side. This series is an important part of the team’s preparation for the Games, and we are grateful for the support from Commonwealth Games Australia that has allowed this to happen.”

Australia squad for Birmingham CWG and Ireland Tri-Series © Women's Criczone

Team Physiotherapist, Kate Beerworth also provided updates in regards to the injuries of Tayla Vlaeminck and Georgia Wareham. In addition to that, she also revealed the status of Ellyse Perry's back injury and in what capacity is she expected to contribute to the squad.

“Tayla is also progressing well in her rehab after sustaining a navicular stress fracture prior to the Ashes in January, a similar injury to what she suffered prior to the 2020 T20 World Cup. She’s been working with The Australian Ballet over the past few months and will continue to progress her rehab using a collaborative approach with Cricket Victoria, Cricket Australia and Australian Ballet staff. Tayla’s injury is long-term and she remains unavailable for the Tri-Series, Commonwealth Games and the WBBL, with no date set for her return at this stage.”

“Ellyse is recovering from a stress fracture in her lower back and is expected to play as a batter. Her availability to bowl will be dependent on her progress in the coming weeks and on the medical advice.”

Australia squad:

Meg Lanning (c), Rachael Haynes, Darcie Brown, Nicola Carey, Ashleigh Gardner, Grace Harris, Alyssa Healy, Jess Jonassen, Alana King, Tahlia McGrath, Beth Mooney, Ellyse Perry, Megan Schutt, Annabel Sutherland, Amanda-Jade Wellington