Australia names 15-member squad to defend Women's World Cup in India

Cricket Australia on Friday named a 15 player squad to defend the title at the ICC Women’s World Cup in India and Sri Lanka this autumn, confirming a group led by wicketkeeper batter Alyssa Healy that will finalise preparations with a three match One Day International series against India from September 14 to 20 before opening the tournament against New Zealand in Indore on October 1. The tournament will be played across the subcontinent, with a round robin format among eight teams and the semifinals and final scheduled for late October and November 2 respectively.

Healy will captain the side that includes a blend of seasoned campaigners and several first time 50 over World Cup selections. The 15 players named are Alyssa Healy (captain), Tahlia McGrath (vice captain), Darcie Brown, Ashleigh Gardner, Kim Garth, Grace Harris, Alana King, Phoebe Litchfield, Sophie Molineux, Beth Mooney, Ellyse Perry, Megan Schutt, Annabel Sutherland, Georgia Voll and Georgia Wareham. Nicole Faltum and Charli Knott have been added to join the squad for the India ODI series before returning home for the start of the Women’s National Cricket League.

Selectors highlighted several notable inclusions and...