Redmayne, Campbell earn maiden call-up; Schutt, Jonassen to miss India series

multi-format series against India that begins on September 19, 2021. Queensland star and Brisbane Heat batter Georgia Redmayne have earned her maiden call-up, along with the 19-year-old New South Wales pacer Stella Campbell. Maitlan Brown also returned from a hamstring injury ruled her out after a maiden call-up last year.

Redmayne was the second-highest run-scorer in the WNCL, with 531 runs at 132.75 from eight matches. She played a crucial role in leading Queensland's victorious campaign, including an unbeaten century in the final against Victoria.

The big misses in the squad are Megan Schutt and Belinda Vakarewa, as they have opted out for personal reasons. Jess Jonassen missed out due to a bone stress injury. Elyse Villani, who smashed 611 runs in nine matches at 87.28 in the Women's National Cricket League last year, also has not been included in the squad.

Speaking about the squad, National Selector Shawn Flegler said that they have named a larger squad than usual owing to the current climate with the pandemic.

"This season's schedule is incredibly busy," said Flegler. "As a result, we have added extra depth to the pace bowling group to ensure there’s enough coverage across all formats and conditions."

Flegler said that Campbell and Redmayne are rewarded for their consistent performances in the domestic circuit. He felt that Campbell would add another layer to the depth of the emerging pace-bowling group along with Tayla Vlaeminck, Darcie Brown, Maitlan Brown and Annabel Sutherland.

“She is a tall, bouncy fast bowler who we feel could be a real option throughout the series, particularly with the conditions in Perth," said Flegler about Campbell. "Georgia’s selection is recognition of the strong couple of domestic seasons she has produced. She provides strong cover for the top-order and adds good variety as a left-hander, with her ‘keeping ability a bonus as well."

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He said that Sutherland's batting would be crucial for Australia, and they are excited to look at what she has to offer in the upcoming season.

“Annabel was another one who missed the tour to New Zealand earlier this year, but she has worked hard over the winter. We expect her to play an important role this summer."

Regarding the absence of Schutt and Vakarewa, Flegler said that they support the players' decisions and will continue to assist them by whatever means necessary. "As a leader of the bowling attack, Megan’s absence will provide the opportunity for someone else to play the type of role she has so well over a lengthy period."

Australia will play a three-match ODI and T20I series and a historic day-night Test match against India, with the first ODI scheduled to be played on September 19 in Sydney.

Squad: Meg Lanning (c), Rachael Haynes (vc), Darcie Brown, Maitlan Brown, Stella Campbell, Nicola Carey, Hannah Darlington, Ashleigh Gardner, Alyssa Healy, Tahlia McGrath, Sophie Molineux, Beth Mooney, Ellyse Perry, Georgia Redmayne, Molly Strano, Annabel Sutherland, Tayla Vlaeminck, Georgia Wareham