Australia have named an unchanged lineup for the upcoming women's multi-format series against South Africa.
Returning to the country this week after winning the two white-ball series against India, the Australian team will immediately begin preparing for the team's tour of South Africa with the first T20 scheduled to take place on January 27 at Manuka Oval.
The two teams will play a three-match T20 and ODI series, before concluding with a WACA Test match on February 15. The team for this encounter will be named after the first ODI.
Alyssa Healy will once again captain the team after her impressive performance as captain for India with Tahlia McGrath as vice-captain.
The only minor change in the squad is Grace Harris only appearing in the T20 series and Alana King in the ODIs.
“The teams for the upcoming T20s and ODIs are very similar to those that have traveled to India recently,” said chief selector Sean Flegler.
“As was the case for our home series against the West Indies in October, Grace Harris is part of the T20s-only squad and will be replaced by Alana King in the ODIs.
“South Africa were a formidable opponent in the 2023 ICC T20 World Cup final in Cape Town and we are looking forward to the challenge of hosting the Proteas in a multi-format series in Australia.”
While the Australian squad remains fairly stable, a number of next generation players will be given the opportunity to shine in the Governor General's XI match against South Africa.
Several members of Australia's latest U19 World Cup squad have been named, while there is also a return to representative cricket for Sophie Molyneux who has been named captain.
Molyneux is back in action after suffering an ACL injury early in the 2022-23 season. She has not played in the last WBBL, but returned for Victoria in the WNCL and took 6-45 in a match against New South Wales. The last time the 25-year-old played for her country was in October 2021.
Speedy youngsters Millie Illingworth and Chloe Ainsworth have both been given the chance to impress against international opposition, while WBBL rising star Tess Flintoff has also been named in the squad.
The team also includes Private Kayla Stutchbury who will represent the Australian Defense Force as a medium-pace bowler and middle-order batsman.
“The Governor General’s XI is a great opportunity to see some of cricket’s brightest young players take on quality international competition,” Flegler said.
“The talent in this squad showcases the depth of women’s football in Australia, and we are excited to see the next generation of female players progressing through the ranks of Australian cricket.
“It is a pleasure to be able to reward those players who have excelled throughout the Weber WBBL as well as a few up-and-coming players who will benefit greatly from the experience.”
Australian squad for T20Is and ODIs against South Africa
Alyssa Healey (centre), Darcy Brown, Heather Graham, Ashley Gardner Kim Garth, Grace Harris*, Jess Jonassen, Alana King**, Phoebe Litchfield, Talia McGrath, Beth Mooney, Elise Perry, Megan Shutt, Annabelle Sutherland, Georgia Wareham
*T20 only
** ODIs only
11th Division of the Governor-General
Sophie Molyneux (Melbourne Renegades/Dandenong CC – Captain)
Chloe Ainsworth (Perth Scorchers/Melville District Cricket Club)
Maddy Darke (Perth Scorchers/Subiaco-Floret Cricket Club)
Amy Edgar (Perth Scorchers / Melville District Cricket Club)
Tess Flintoff (Melbourne Stars/Ringwood CC)
Sianna Ginger (Brisbane Heat/Valley District Cricket Club)
Millie Illingworth (Melbourne Stars/Essendon Maribyrnong Park Cricket Club)
Charlie Knott (Brisbane Heat/University of Queensland CC)
Courtney Sipple (Brisbane Heat/Western Suburbs CC)
Amy Smith (Hobart Hurricanes/New Town Cricket Club)
Georgia Fall (Brisbane Heat/Sandgate-Redcliffe CC)
Private Kayla Stutchbury – Australian Defense Force
