Queensland Fire pace bowler Nicola Hancock will replace her State teammate Courtney Sippel in the Australia 'A' squad ahead of the start of an action-packed series with India 'A' that gets underway tomorrow at Allan Border Field.
Hancock In For Home 'A' Series
Sippel has been ruled out of the A Series with a bone stress injury in her second metatarsal in her right foot. A decision on her likely playing return will be made in due course.
The action-packed three-match T20 series between Australia A (W) and India A (W) will kick start from tomorrow at Allan Border Field.
The three-match T20 series will be played tomorrow, Friday and Sunday this week between the two powerhouses, and will provide a great opportunity for the upcoming stars to showcase their abilities and impress the National selectors.
The South Australian all-rounder, Tahlia McGrath has been appointed the captain of the Australia A side, along with Queensland's Charli Knott, who will be the vice-captain of Australia A side against a promising India A women's team.
Speaking ahead of the series, McGrath said:
“I’m really looking forward to being a part of this series and for the challenge that India A will pose.
“It presents those of us not playing in The Hundred (in the UK) with the chance to prepare for a huge summer against a strong opposition".
Tomorrow's match is all set to start at 1pm Brisbane time and the weather is predicted to be sunny throughout the afternoon, with no prediction of any rain and a highest temperature of 21 degrees Celsius, making it a great day out for the crowds to come in numbers and show their support.
Key players to Watch:
Captain Tahlia McGrath's unbeaten 43 of 29 balls at a blistering strike rate of 148.28 helped Australia (W) claim a dominating victory over Bangladesh in April, earlier this year and complete a clean sweep (3-0). She would be motivated to replicate similar performances against a formidable India A (W) side.
Kim Garth: The 28-year-old, Right Arm medium-pacer not only showcased her accuracy and temperament against a decent South African (W) batting line-up, in the longer format of the game earlier this year but also scored a fiery 49 runs of 45 balls with 7 boundaries and a gigantic six. Her aggressive style of play could prove pivotal in the upcoming clash with the India A (W).
Nicole Faltum: The dashing wicket-keeping batter displayed some eye-catching performances in the recent Women's National Cricket League 2024, scoring 86 of 91 balls against Tasmania Women in February 2024, which has led to a national call against a strong India A (W). The 24-year-old is someone who likes to absorb pressure and surely someone to keep an eye out for.
Fans can tune in to the match via Kayo, cricket.com.au and the CA Live App.
Women’s Australia A v India A Series
7 August: First T20, 1pm, Allan Border Field
9 August: Second T20, 1pm, Allan Border Field
11 August: Third T20, 1pm, Allan Border Field
14 August: First 50-over match, 9:30am, Great Barrier Reef Arena, Mackay
16 August: Second 50-over match, 1:20pm, Great Barrier Reef Arena, Mackay
18 August: Third 50-over match, 1:20pm, Great Barrier Reef Arena, Mackay
22-25 August: Four-day match, 9:30am, Bill Pippen Oval, Gold Coast District Cricket Club, Robina.