Australia’s T20 World Cup squad sees Darcie Brown’s comeback and Jess Jonassen’s surprising exclusion. Will Healy’s leadership secure a fourth title?
Darcie Brown, who has successfully recovered from a foot stress fracture, is all set to join Australia’s formidable 15-player squad for the upcoming Women’s T20 World Cup 2024. This tournament, originally scheduled in Bangladesh, has now found its new home in the UAE. On the flip side, Jess Jonassen, a notable absence during the Bangladesh tour earlier this year, departs from the World Cup lineup for the first time, despite being available for selection.
Astonishingly, Australia’s squad appears rock-solid, under the captaincy of Alyssa Healy, as they aim for a historic fourth consecutive T20 World Cup triumph. The team’s strength is reinforced by the return of Sophie Molineux (rib) and Grace Harris (calf) from their respective injuries that sidelined them during the Hundred tournament in England. Brown and Tayla Vlaeminck will form a potent bowling pair, adding an element of express pace to Australia’s attack. Notably, Phoebe Litchfield will be making her maiden appearance in a T20 World Cup, bringing an x-factor to the team.
National selector Shawn Flegler expressed his satisfaction at having the luxury of a fully available contract list for this major tournament, resulting in a squad that exudes stability and balance. He praised Healy and Tahlia for their leadership qualities and expressed excitement for their roles at the World Cup. The selectors see potential in deploying the pace duo of Tayla and Darcie, considering them a unique asset for the team’s campaign.
While Jonassen, a stalwart in Australia’s lineup for a decade, faces disappointment with omission, the selectors have not closed the door on her potential return, especially with the upcoming Ashes series on the horizon. The squad announced for the World Cup will also feature in the upcoming series against New Zealand, with allrounder Heather Graham being the addition to the squad for these fixtures taking place next month.
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