THUNDER’S TEENAGE BATTING SENSATION JOINS AUSSIE SQUAD
TEENAGE batting phenomenon Phoebe Litchfield is one step closer to an international call-up after being included in a 15-player squad for Australia’s tour of India.
The 19-year-old, and former Irish bowler Kim Garth, were the standout inclusions in the group to be captained by Alyssa Healy, in the absence of Meg Lanning.
Tasmanian all-rounder Heather Graham also earnt a call-up on the back of 237 runs and eight wickets for the Hobart Hurricanes in the WBBL.
National selection chief Shawn Flegler said Litchfield had taken her game “to another level” in the WBBL this season for the Sydney Thunder, finishing the season as the team’s leading scorer with 280 and two half-centuries.
The selections, for five T20 games in India, come just over two months before Australia heads to South Africa to defend the T20 World Cup title that Lanning’s team won in 2020.
“We’ve had an eye on Phoebe for a while and she’s really taken her game to the next level this summer,” Flegler said. “She’s made her mark at the top of the order for the Sydney Thunder and we’re looking forward to seeing what she can do in Australian colours.
“These five matches form an important part of the team’s preparations for the upcoming T20 World Cup in South Africa as well as providing an opportunity for some players to gain some experience in Indian conditions.”
Veteran all-rounder Ellyse Perry held her spot after a bumper WBBL with the bat, but there will be no Lanning, who remains on a selfimposed break, with vice-captain Rachael Haynes also retiring. Healy will lead, having been made vicecaptaincy after Haynes’s decision.
“Without Meg and Rachael, this series will provide opportunities for players, particularly in the top order, so we’re looking forward to seeing who puts their hand up,” Flegler said.