NEWS
Follow UsAustralia were dealt with yet another injury blow as Sophie Molineux was ruled out of the Women's World Cup due to a stress fracture on her right foot. She was already out of the ongoing multi-format Ashes series and will not be a part of the 18-member squad for the mega event.
Australia have already suffered a blow to their spin bowling department with Georgia Wareham missing out the Ashes, World Cup and the Commonwealth Games after suffering an ACL tear.
As a result, Australia have included leg-spinner Amanda-Jade Wellington to their squad for the World Cup. Also, Alana King who made her T20I debut recently is also another spin option. Furthermore, Grace Harris - an off-spinner who can add flexibility to the batting as well finds a place, despite last playing an ODI in 2016.
"Sophie Molineux, unfortunately, misses out due to injury; she was unlikely to be available until the back end of the tournament and with limited match time and having to complete ten days managed isolation, it was a tough call, but we weren't prepared to take the risk," National Selector Shawn Flegler said.
"Amanda-Jade provides us with another quality spin option... leg-spin has been a big part of our success in recent years and while Alana King is currently doing that role for us, there's no reason we couldn't play both in the same team if conditions and match-ups suit.
"Grace didn't get much of a go in the recent T20s, but she brings the versatility to bat anywhere in the top or middle-order and her bowling could also be a real asset throughout the tournament as we've seen orthodox spinners have a lot of success in New Zealand," Flegler added.
Fast bowler Tayla Vlaeminck misses out due to a foot injury, while Hannah Darlington and Georgia Redmayne have been picked as travelling reserves. Elyse Villani, Maitlan Brown, Stella Campbell, Molly Strano and Heather Graham will travel with the squad to Melbourne to play out the last two matches in the Ashes and will be available for selection in the World Cup if needed.
"Some seriously good players have missed out, but we've been able to include them as standby players should injury or COVID come into play. "Hannah and Georgia will travel with the squad and can play a variety of roles if required. Hannah impressed during the India series, while Georgia continues to impress with the bat and importantly offers a back-up 'keeping option.
"Our group of stand-by players are able to replace anyone in the squad up to the day we depart Australia on 10 February and so we've looked at all skill sets to make sure we can cover anything that might happen between now and then."
Australia will head to New Zealand on February 10 and complete their 10-day isolation before kick-starting their campaign against defending champions England on March 5 in Hamilton.
Australia squad for ICC Women's World Cup: Meg Lanning (c), Rachael Haynes (vc), Darcie Brown, Nicola Carey, Ashleigh Gardner, Grace Harris, Alyssa Healy, Jess Jonassen, Alana King, Beth Mooney, Tahlia McGrath, Ellyse Perry, Megan Schutt, Annabel Sutherland, Amanda-Jade Wellington
Travelling reserves: Hannah Darlington, Georgia Redmayne