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Legspinner Alana King is still being left out of
Australia’s Twenty20 International team, which is essentially set for the
limited-overs portion of South Africa’s multiformat tour that starts at the end
of January.
Grace Harris, who is on the T20I team, will not play
in the three-match ODI series against King.
King, who has 21 wickets at 19.52 in 22 Twenty20
Internationals, hasn’t played in the format since Georgia Wareham’s
injury-affected return during the World Cup in South Africa last year. During
the Ashes, the home series against the West Indies last year, or the most
recent tour of India, she was unable to get a position against England.
She did, however, make an appearance in the 50-over
side on a regular basis and, in the third ODI against India, she bowled a
delivery that was likened to Shane Warne’s ball of the century.
Australia’s selectors have also picked the team to
form the Governor-General’s XI which will face South Africa in a T20 warm-up
match in Sydney on January 24.
All-rounder Sophie Molineux, who just returned after a
year-long absence owing to an ACL injury, will captain the GG XI. She hit 62
against New South Wales in her second game back for Victoria, and she also
claimed 6 for 45. Included is Charli Knott, an all-arounder for the Brisbane
Heat who won the title of young player of the WBBL.
“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,” national selector Shawn 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 WBBL in addition to a few up-and-coming
players who will hugely benefit from the experience.”