Australia have announced a 15-player squad for their upcoming white-ball tour of the Caribbean, where they will face the West Indies in a six-match series beginning on March 19. The tour, which includes both ODIs and T20Is, will serve as a crucial preparation phase ahead of the Women’s T20 World Cup in June.
One of the most notable inclusions in the squad is New South Wales wicketkeeper-batter Tahlia Wilson, who has received her maiden national call-up. Meanwhile, Australia will be without star all-rounder Annabel Sutherland, who has been rested for the tour, with the management opting to give Sutherland time to maintain peak fitness ahead of the T20 World Cup.
Newly appointed captain Sophie Molineux has been included in the squad despite continuing her recovery from a back injury. She was forced to withdraw midway through Australia’s recent multi-format series against India due to the issue. Lucy Hamilton, who made headlines with her performances in the Test recently, has retained her place.
"Sophie was terrific during the recent T20 series against India and has already begun shaping her leadership style and this tour will be another important step in continuing to define how she wants to lead the side," national selector Shawn Flegler said.
"Sophie is progressing well and is expected to be available to play. We'll prioritise the T20 matches and continue to assess her across the ODI series," he added.
Along with Annabel Sutherland, Grace Harris will also miss the tour.
"Annabel will miss the series as part of a proactive management plan after a significant workload over the past 12 months, and we believe the extended rest will help ensure she's at her best ahead of the World Cup.
"Grace has missed selection, but we obviously know what she's capable of and she remains firmly in our thinking ahead of the World Cup."
Australia squad: Sophie Molineux (c), Ashleigh Gardner (vc), Tahlia McGrath (vc), Darcie Brown, Nicola Carey, Kim Garth, Lucy Hamilton Alana King, Phoebe Litchfield, Beth Mooney, Ellyse Perry, Megan Schutt, Georgia Voll, Georgia Wareham, Tahlia Wilson