Georgia Wareham returns as Australia name squad for T20 World Cup 2023

Leg spinner Georgia Wareham made her return from the long injury layoff as Australia named 15-member squad for the T20 World Cup 2023 on Tuesday (January 10). Alyssa Healy and Jess Jonassen also are named in the side after getting injured during the India tour. 

Meg Lanning, who returned from her mental health break, will lead the side. Australia are expecting Healy to recover from the calf injury she suffered in India and has been named as the vice-captain of the team. The same squad will take on Pakistan in the three-match T20I series from January 24 after the three ICC Women’s Championship ODIs set to be played from January 16.

“It’s always tough to narrow a squad down to just 15 players, but we’re confident we’ve picked a well-balanced side that’s well placed for the series against Pakistan and ready to challenge for a third consecutive T20 title,” Shawn Flegler, national selector, said.

“Seeing Meg and Georgia back in action for Victoria has been exciting. Both bring a wealth of experience to the group, which is always crucial during major tournaments. Georgia in particular, has had a tough run of injuries, but she’s shown a great deal of resilience and her return is a real boost for the side.”

From the squad that won the five-match T20I series in India, allrounder Nicola Carey, Phoebe Litchfield and Amanda-Jade Wellington have been omitted. Wareham has been out of action for more than one year now having ruptured her ACL in October 2021.
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Wellington was called in as a replacement to India for Jonassen didn’t feature in any of the matches and now finds herself out of the squad with fellow leggie Wareham making her return.

Kim Garth and Heather Graham have retained their place in the squad having made their debut in India. 

“Alyssa and Jess are expected to be fully fit and firing after minor injuries as well, so we’ve got a full-strength squad with plenty of variety with both bat and ball if required. Heather and Kim both impressed when given the chance during the India series, and we know they are ready to perform their role if the opportunity presents,” Flegler added.

“Unfortunately, there was no room for Nicola, Phoebe or Amanda-Jade, but they’re still well and truly in our plans and are on standby should they be required.”

Australia Squad for T20 World Cup: Meg Lanning (c), Alyssa Healy (vc), Darcie Brown, Ashleigh Gardner, Kim Garth, Heather Graham, Grace Harris, Jess Jonassen, Alana King, Tahlia McGrath, Beth Mooney, Ellyse Perry, Megan Schutt, Annabel Sutherland, Georgia Wareham