Australia include Brown and Vlaeminck for Women’s T20 World Cup 2024

Australia have left out experienced left-arm spinner Jess Jonassen and included two young pacers - Darcie Brown and Tayla Vlaeminck - in their 15-member squad for the Women’s T20 World Cup 2024, which will be played in the UAE from October 3.

Brown, who hasn’t played any competitive cricket for the last six months, has completely recovered from a stress fracture of the foot. The 21-year-old, alongside Vlaeminck, will offer Australia’s bowling unit some extra pace.

Meanwhile, Jonassen has been left out despite doing well in The Hundred. She was also dropped from the squad that played three T20Is in Bangladesh earlier this year. 

Sophie Molineux (rib) and Grace Harris (calf) have also recovered from their respective injuries and are part of the set-up. Apart from Molineux, Alana King and Georgia Wareham are the other two frontline spinners in the squad.

"This is the first time in a long time we've had our entire contract list available for selection ahead of a World Cup and it's resulted in a really stable and balanced squad," said national selector Shawn Flegler.

 "It's the first time Alyssa will have the reins at a World Cup and we've already seen what her and Tahlia bring from a leadership perspective, so it's exciting for them to have this opportunity to lead their country on the biggest stage.

"Phoebe Litchfield is a real x-factor for us and will be well supported by an experienced group at her first World Cup. The pace duo of Tayla and Darcie is one we've been wanting to unleash for a while and is a real point of difference for us."

Speaking about Jonassen’s omission, Flegler said: "Jess Jonassen is again unlucky to miss out, but we've been impressed with the way she's bounced back, and we'll continue to monitor her form ahead of the home summer.”

Australia are placed in Group A alongside India, Sri Lanka, Pakistan and New Zealand. The defending champions will start their campaign against Sri Lanka on October 4. 

The Women in Yellow are also scheduled to play a three-match T20I series against New Zealand next month. Heather Graham is part of that squad but won’t be travelling to the UAE for the 20-over showpiece event.

Squad - Alyssa Healy (c & wk), Darcie Brown, Ashleigh Gardner, Kim Garth, Grace Harris, Alana King, Phoebe Litchfield, Tahlia McGrath, Sophie Molineux, Beth Mooney, Ellyse Perry, Megan Schutt, Annabel Sutherland, Georgia Wareham, Tayla Vlaeminck

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