Australia vs. South Africa: Sophie Molineux returns to representative cricket with Governor-General’s XI
Australia’s selectors have named the squads for the Governor-General’s XI and multi-format women’s series against South Africa.
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Australia has named an unchanged squad for the upcoming multi-format women’s series against South Africa.
Back in the country this week after winning both white ball series against India, the Australian side will go straight into preparation for the touring South Africa side with the first T20 taking place on January 27 at Manuka Oval.
The two teams will play a three-match T20 and ODI series, before finishing with a Test match on the WACA on February 15. The squad for that clash will be named after the 1st ODI.
Alyssa Healy will once again captain the side after her impressive performance as skipper in India with Tahlia McGrath as vice-captain.
The only slight change to the squad will see Grace Harris only feature in the T20 series and Alana King in the ODIs.
“The squads for the upcoming T20s and ODIs are very similar to the one that travelled to India recently,” head selector Shawn Flegler said.
“As was the case for our home series against the West Indies in October, Grace Harris is part of the squad for the T20s only and will be replaced by Alana King for the ODIs.
“South Africa were formidable opponents in the 2023 ICC T20 World Cup Final in Cape Town and we look forward to the challenge of hosting the Proteas in multi-format series in Australia.”
While the Australian team remains quite stable, a number of next-generation players will be given their chance to shine in the Governor-General’s XI match against South Africa.
Several members of Australia’s last under-19 World Cup squad have been named, while there’s also a return to representative cricket for Sophie Molineux who has been named captain.
Molineux is back in action after suffering an ACL injury early in the 2022-23 season. She didn’t play in the recent WBBL, but has returned for Victoria in the WNCL and took 6-45 in a game against NSW. The 25-year-old last played for her country in October 2021.
Young quicks Milly Illingworth and Chloe Ainsworth have both been given a chance to impress against international opposition, while WBBL Rising Star Tess Flintoff has also been named in the side.
The team also includes Private Kayla Stuchbree who will represent the Australian Defence Force as a medium-pace bowler and a middle-order batter.
“The Governor-General’s XI fixture presents a great opportunity to see some of the brightest young cricketers take on a high-quality international opposition,” Flegler said.
“The talent in this squad shows the depth in the women’s game in Australia and we’re excited to see our next generation of players progress through the ranks of Australian cricket.
“It’s pleasing to be able to reward those players who have impressed throughout the Weber WBBL in addition to a few up-and-coming players who will hugely benefit from the experience.”
AUSTRALIAN SQUAD FOR T20Is AND ODIs AGAINST SOUTH AFRICA
Alyssa Healy (C), Darcie Brown, Heather Graham, Ashleigh Gardner Kim Garth, Grace Harris*, Jess Jonassen, Alana King**, Phoebe Litchfield, Tahlia McGrath, Beth Mooney, Ellyse Perry, Megan Schutt, Annabel Sutherland, Georgia Wareham
*T20s only
**ODIs only
GOVERNOR-GENERAL’S XI SQUAD
Sophie Molineux (Melbourne Renegades / Dandenong CC – Captain)
Chloe Ainsworth (Perth Scorchers / Melville District Cricket Club)
Maddy Darke (Perth Scorchers / Subiaco-Floreat Cricket Club)
Amy Edgar (Perth Scorchers / Melville District Cricket Club)
Tess Flintoff (Melbourne Stars / Ringwood CC)
Sianna Ginger (Brisbane Heat / Valley District Cricket Club)
Milly Illingworth (Melbourne Stars / Essendon Maribyrnong Park Cricket Club)
Charli Knott (Brisbane Heat / University of Queensland CC)
Courtney Sippel (Brisbane Heat / Western Suburbs CC)
Amy Smith (Hobart Hurricanes / New Town Cricket Club)
Georgia Voll (Brisbane Heat / Sandgate-Redcliffe CC)
Private Kayla Stuchbree – Australian Defence Force
Originally published as Australia vs. South Africa: Sophie Molineux returns to representative cricket with Governor-General’s XI
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