ICC Women's World T20: Australia name the 15-member squad for the tournament

Australian opening batswoman Nicole Bolton has been named in a 15-member squad which is set to play in the upcoming Women’s World T20. Bolton, who is considered a One-Day specialist, has been able to make the final cut despite her lack of T20I experience. Meanwhile, all-rounder, Jess Jonassen has also been added to the Australian side but her availability will depend on whether she passes a fitness test.

The selectors named the same group of players for series against Pakistan which is scheduled for late October. Australia will play three ODIs and three T20Is against Pakistan in Malaysia before heading to the Caribbean for the World T20. Bolton has played only two T20Is for Australia but maintains an impressive ODI average of 46.22. In last year’s Women’s Big Bash, she finished as the third highest run-getter, with 482 runs averaging 32.13. She also made an impact in the Kia Super League – England‘s T20 competition – which in turn earned her a ticket to the main event.

We have a stable playing group

The national selector Shawn Flegler was happy with the squad picked for the World T20 and also explained the inclusion of a couple of players in the team. “There’s only two players that come into the ODI and T20 sides that didn’t take part in the recent series against New Zealand, which is really pleasing as it means we have a stable playing group who are gelling really well.”

“Nicole’s generally been considered a 50-over player but she’s put in a lot of work to improve her short-form game and its evident in her recent T20 form. Jess is recovering well from her knee injury and will join the squad in Malaysia, with the aim to have her playing in the two warm-up matches in the West Indies,” Shawn said according to Cricbuzz.

Australia will kick off their World T20 campaign against Pakistan on November 9 at Guyana’s Providence Stadium. They are in Group B alongside India, Ireland, New Zealand and Pakistan.

World T20 squad: Meg Lanning (c), Rachael Haynes (vc), Nicole Bolton, Nicola Carey, Ashleigh Gardner, Alyssa Healy (wk), Jess Jonassen (subject to fitness), Delissa Kimmince, Sophie Molineux, Beth Mooney, Ellyse Perry, Megan Schutt, Elyse Villani, Tayla Vlaeminck, Georgia Wareham

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