Grace Harris, Amanda-Jade Wellington in Australia World Cup squad; Sophie Molineux out with injury

Sophie Molineux, currently recovering from her foot injury, missed out on the selection as Australia announced their squad for the Cricket World Cup 2022 on Wednesday (January 26). Leg spinner Amanda-Jade Wellington and all-rounder Grace Harris, who were not part of the Ashes ODI squad, have earned a comeback and will part of the 15-member squad.

National selector Shawn Flegler spoke about Molineux missing out from the squad. “Leaving Sophie Molineux out of World Cup squad was the toughest call in picking the 15-member squad,” he said. “She was unlikely to be available until the backend of the tournament and with limited match time and having to complete ten days managed isolation, it was a tough call, but we weren’t prepared to take the risk.”

The six-time champions will start their campaign against the defending champions, England, on March 5 in Hamilton. Meg Lanning will lead the 15-member squad with Rachael Haynes as her deputy. Australia missed out on a final’s spot in the 2017 edition after a blistering knock from Harmanpreet Kaur led India to a memorable victory in the semi-final at Derby.

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The 26-year-old Alana King recently made her T20I debut against England will be one of the two leg spinners in the squad along with Wellington. Fast bowling allrounders Tahlia McGrath and Annabel Sutherland will feature in their first 50-over World Cup. Along with Molineux, spinner Georgia Wareham and quick Tayla Vlaeminck will miss the global event with injuries.

Middle-order batter Beth Mooney, who recently suffered from a fractured jaw, will travel to New Zealand for the tournament. Fast bowler Hannah Darlington, who made her debut against India, and uncapped wicketkeeper-batter Georgia Redmayne will travel with the team as reserve players.

Meanwhile, Elyse Villani, Maitlan Brown, Stella Campbell, Molly Strano, and Heather Graham will travel with the national team to Melbourne for the last two matches of the Ashes series as stand-by players. Australia will depart for the World Cup on February 10.

Australia squad for ICC World Cup 2022: Meg Lanning (C), Rachael Haynes (VC), Darcie Brown, Nicola Carey, Ashleigh Gardner, Grace Harris, Alyssa Healy, Jess Jonassen, Alana King, Beth Mooney, Tahlia McGrath, Ellyse Perry, Megan Schutt, Annabel Sutherland, Amanda-Jade Wellington.

Travelling reserves: Hannah Darlington, Georgia Redmayne