Tayla Vlaeminck returns; maiden call-ups for Darcie Brown, Hannah Darlington for NZ tour

Darlington impressed everyone during the sixth season of the Women’s Big Bash League, returning 19 wickets for Sydney Thunder, second-most in the competition. Her change of pace and disciplined bowling earned her laurels and that’s precisely the role that is essayed for her with the national unit.

On the other hand, Brown has been cranking the speedometer up and has taken the batters by surprise with her pace and bounce. She picked up 10 wickets in WBBL06 and had an economy rate of under six an over.

“Darcie Brown and Hannah Darlington have impressed us with their skill and professionalism, and we are delighted to reward them with selection in this squad,” said Shawn Flegler, the national selector.

“Darcie enjoyed an excellent rebel WBBL campaign with the Adelaide Strikers and has also made a great start to the WNCL with the SA Scorpions. Her ability to bowl fast outswing makes her an exciting prospect at just 17 years old.”

“Darlington has been brought into the squad primarily with a T20 focus as we look towards both the 2022 Commonwealth Games in Birmingham and 2023 ICC Women’s T20 World Cup in South Africa.”

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Vlaeminck returned to action in the Women’s National Cricket League for Victoria and picked up four wickets in her second outing, against Australian Capital Territory. Ellyse Perry also was seen in action in the WBBL and WNCL after missing the series against the Kiwis at home late last year.

“These new additions are complemented by the return of Tayla Vlaeminck to the national squad after a long injury layoff. She has been working her way back to full fitness in the WNCL with Victoria and we’ve already seen some devastating spells from her,” said Flegler.

“Similarly, Ellyse Perry has been making solid progress in her return from a hamstring injury and we look forward to her taking part in this series after not featuring against New Zealand in September and October.”

Australia have also named former men’s seamer Ryan Harris as their bowling coach for the tour. He played 51 internationals, including 27 Tests and had 113 wickets to show in the format.

The first T20I between the two sides will be played on March 28.

Squad: Meg Lanning (c), Rachael Haynes (vc), Darcie Brown, Nicola Carey, Hannah Darlington, Ashleigh Gardner, Alyssa Healy, Jess Jonassen, Tahlia McGrath, Sophie Molineux, Beth Mooney, Ellyse Perry, Megan Schutt, Annabel Sutherland, Georgia Wareham, Belinda Vakarewa, Tayla Vlaeminck