The Commonwealth Bank Southern Stars squad for next month’s tour of Sri Lanka has been named, with Grace Harris and Nicole Bolton joining a 14-strong group featuring 12 players who were part of the ICC World T20 campaign earlier this year.
Listen to the audio interview here. Cricket Australia CEO James Sutherland speaks to media about the release of the National Cricket Census, on August 23 at the MCG.
Big-hitting Queensland all-rounder Grace Harris returns to the squad, having missed the tournament in India after suffering Deep Vein Thrombosis.
ODI opener Nicole Bolton has also been named in the squad, having been part of Australia’s most recent one-day series in New Zealand earlier this year.
Chosen by Cricket Australia’s National Selection Panel, the squad will tour Sri Lanka for four one-day internationals and one Twenty20 international.
Commenting on the squad, National Selector Shawn Flegler said: “We believe this group contains a good mix of youth and experience that will give us the best chance of succeeding in Sri Lanka.
“We’ve got a number of options covered with our bowling attack as well as several batters who can produce the attacking game-style we want to play.
“The players have had a solid preseason with a number of camps held at the Bupa National Cricket Centre in Brisbane.
“Grace Harris, Beth Mooney and Holly Ferling all have recent experience in Sri Lankan conditions, having toured the country with the Commonwealth Bank Shooting Stars squad last year.
“Grace has overcome the disappointment of missing the World T20 in India due to illness and has another great opportunity to impress for her country on this tour.
“After a very impressive start to her international career, Lauren Cheatle will sit out this tour as she focuses on her final year of high school,” Flegler said.
Cricket Australia has advised that Southern Stars fast bowler Sarah Coyte has chosen not to take up her Australian playing contract for 2016-17.
Coyte will take an indefinite break from touring with the women’s national side, but will continue to play for the Breezair SA Scorpions in the Women’s National Cricket League (WNCL) and the Adelaide Strikers in the Rebel Women’s Big Bash League (WBBL).
The first three ODIs of the series will offer Australia the chance to collect valuable ICC Women’s Championship points.
The Southern Stars currently sit on top of the table, with the top four teams at the end of the year to gain automatic entry to next year’s ICC Women’s World Cup in England.
It will be the Southern Stars’ first bilateral tour of the island nation.
The squad is due to fly out to Sri Lanka on 12 September.
Commonwealth Bank Southern Stars squad:
Meg Lanning (VIC) Captain
Alex Blackwell (NSW) Vice-Captain
Kristen Beams (VIC)
Nicole Bolton (WA)
Rene Farrell (NSW)
Holly Ferling (QLD)
Grace Harris (QLD)
Alyssa Healy (NSW)
Jess Jonassen (QLD)
Beth Mooney (QLD)
Erin Osborne (ACT)
Ellyse Perry (NSW)
Megan Schutt (SA)
Elyse Villani (WA)
Commonwealth Bank Southern Stars v Sri Lanka Women schedule
15 September: Warm-up match, Colombo
18 September: First ODI, Dambulla
20 September: Second ODI, Dambulla*
23 September: Third ODI, Colombo*
25 September: Fourth ODI, Colombo*
27 September: Only T20, Colombo
*ICC Women’s Championship matches
