The Australian national women’s cricket team are focusing on gathering valuable intelligence during their first bilateral tour of Bangladesh. This mission is to prepare for the T20 World Cup later this year, especially with a crowded line-up for spin-bowling spots. They have multi-format series matches scheduled against South Africa later in January, which will offer preparations for the World Cup, but the first-hand experience in Bangladesh is considered especially important.
The tour will include ODI and T20I series at the end of March. The team will also be investigating venues in Bangladesh where the World Cup will be played and how the wickets are expected to perform. Only four players from the 2014 T20 World Cup-winning squad will be returning to Bangladesh. The squad has several spin options, including Ashleigh Gardner, Georgia Wareham, Jess Jonassen, and Alana King.
The return of Sophie Molineux, who has just recovered from an ACL injury, is also adding to the depth. Molineux lost her central contract in 2022 but with her all-round skillset, she might find herself back in contention for the squad. However, spinning options for the final squad may be tight, especially considering the recent performances of other players.
Further, there are discussions concerning Jonassen’s position in the squad as a first-choice pick for both T20Is and ODIs. Ashleigh Gardner has taken on the role of senior spinner with Georgia Wareham as another crucial option. Leg spinner Amanda-Jade Wellington continues to be overlooked despite domestic T20 success, and she has expressed the possibility of applying for a British passport to play for England. The selectors remain hopeful that Australia can arrange more fixtures before the T20 World Cup as there are no scheduled games after the Bangladesh tour.
