Australia, South Africa announce squads for Women’s World T20
Three-time champions Australia and South Africa on Tuesday named their squads for the November 9-24 ICC Women’s World T20 in the West Indies. The sixth edition of the ten-team tournament will take place across three venues – Antigua, Saint Lucia and Guyana.
South Africa are placed in Group A along with England, Sri Lanka, West Indies and Bangladesh while Group B consists India, Australia, New Zealand, Pakistan and Ireland.
The Australian selectors have named a 15-player squad. It will assemble in Malaysia following the conclusion of the ODI series against Pakistan, with three T20s scheduled against the same opposition before the team travels directly to the West Indies.
Opener Nicole Bolton and spinner Jess Jonassen are the only additions to the side that claimed a 3-0 T20I series whitewash against New Zealand on Friday.
The South African selectors have kept the bulk of the squad that recently completed a tour of the Windies with the return of stalwarts Shabnim Ismail and Trisha Chetty. Fast bowler Ayabonga Khaka has not sufficiently recovered from her shoulder surgery and was not considered for selection.
Three of the four newest members of the team that toured the West Indies have also received the nod. Tumi Sekhukhune, Robyn Searle and Saarah Smith will make their World Cup debuts.
“Good luck to our Proteas Ladies,” commented CSA Chief Executive Thabang Moroe.
“They reached the semi-final of this tournament in Bangladesh in 2014 and came agonisingly close to a first appearance in a final in last year’s ICC Women’s World Cup in England.”
Australia Squad: Meg Lanning (c), Nicole Bolton, Nicola Carey, Ashleigh Gardner, Rachael Haynes, Alyssa Healy, Delissa Kimmince, Sophie Molineux, Beth Mooney, Ellyse Perry, Megan Schutt, Elyse Villani, Tayla Vlaeminck, Georgia Wareham
South Africa Squad: Dané van Niekerk (C), Chloe Tryon, Lizelle Lee, Suné Luus, Shabnim Ismail, Masabata Klaas, Mignon du Preez, Marizanne Kapp, Laura Wolvaardt, Raisibe Ntozakhe, Zintle Mali, Robyn Searle, Tumi Sekhukhune, Saarah Smith, Trisha Chetty.
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