Megan Schutt returns to lead South Australia in WNCL

Megan Schutt returns to lead South Australia in the Women’s National Cricket League for their two round matches against Western Australia in Perth on Tuesday (January 21) and Thursday (January 23). The medium pacer will then head off to join the Australian squad to prepare for the T20I tri-series involving England and India beginning on January 31.

Despite her team’s poor form through the WNCL this season— they are yet to register a win— Schutt has been at her very best, picking up seven wickets in two games at an average of 7.71. She will be desperate to help her team post a win against second-placed Western Australia who will likely be without their New Zealand import, Sophie Devine.

South Australia too will miss the services of Suzie Bates who has rejoined the New Zealand squad in preparation for their limited overs home series against South Africa. The allrounder has been replaced by Stacey Oates, the pace bowler, in the 13-member squad.

Bridget Patterson, who enjoyed a successful WBBL and thereby earned a spot in the Australia A squad for the series against India, is South Australia’s leading run-scorer with 234 runs in four matches. She will play a key role with the bat alongside Tahlia McGrath, if the team is to pull off a win in Perth.

Allrounder Samantha Betts also found some form in the previous round of the tournament, scoring her maiden half-century. She too will be hoping to continue her good run. On the other hand, Amanda-Jade Wellington, the leg-spinning allrounder who has recently hit a bit of a purple patch, will be keen to remind the selectors of what skills she brings to the table.

Squad: Megan Schutt (c), Tahlia McGrath, Sam Betts, Darcie Brown, Emma de Broughe, Eliza Doddridge, Ellie Falconer, Tegan McPharlin, Stacey Oates, Annie O’Neil, Bridget Patterson, Alex Price, Amanda-Jade Wellington.