New Delhi, 04 August (H.S.): Cricket Australia on Tuesday announced a 15-member Australia A women's squad for next month's tour of India, with experienced fast bowlers Tayla Vlaeminck and Darcie Brown returning to lead the pace attack. The three-week tour will feature three T20 matches, three One-Day Internationals and one four-day match.

The three T20 matches will be played at the Maharaja Yadavindra Singh International Cricket Stadium in New Chandigarh. The three one-day matches will be held at the IS Bindra Stadium in Mohali, while the four-day match will take place at the Himachal Pradesh Cricket Association Stadium in Dharamshala.

The tour marks the long-awaited return of 27-year-old pacer Tayla Vlaeminck to competitive international-level cricket after an extended injury layoff. Persistent injuries have significantly disrupted her career. She made her comeback in April during the Green vs Gold practice match, her first appearance since suffering a serious shoulder injury during the 2024 ICC Women's T20 World Cup. Earlier this year, Cricket Australia also removed her from its central contract list due to her prolonged injury concerns.

Darcie Brown, meanwhile, was left out of Australia's squad for the ICC Women's T20 World Cup. During her absence, left-arm fast bowler Lucy Hamilton cemented her place in the national setup. The India tour now provides Brown with an opportunity to re-establish herself through Australia A.

National selector Shawn Flegler said, It is fantastic to see Tayla back in the green and gold environment and equally pleasing to welcome Darcie back. Both possess valuable international experience, and the younger players in the squad will benefit greatly from learning alongside them.

He added, This tour offers an excellent opportunity for the players to experience subcontinental conditions and test themselves against strong international opposition. Gaining exposure to Indian conditions early in their careers will be invaluable as they progress towards senior international cricket.

Tahlia Wilson will captain the Australia A side in the one-day series, while Nicole Faltum will lead the T20 squad and Rachel Trenaman will captain the team in the four-day match.

More than half of the selected players are aged 25 or younger, including 21-year-old all-rounders Frankie Nicklin and Sianna Ginger.

Australia A Women's Squad for India Tour:

Darcie Brown, Maitlan Brown, Nicole Faltum, Tess Flintoff, Sianna Ginger, Charli Knott, Anika Learoyd, Katie Mack, Lilly Mills, Frankie Nicklin, Hayley Silver-Holmes, Rachel Trenaman, Courtney Webb, Tahlia Wilson and Tayla Vlaeminck.

Tour Schedule:

12 September – First T20, New Chandigarh

15 September – Second T20, New Chandigarh

17 September – Third T20, New Chandigarh

20 September – First One-Day Match, Mohali

23 September – Second One-Day Match, Mohali

25 September – Third One-Day Match, Mohali

29 September–2 October – Four-Day Match, Dharamshala

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Hindusthan Samachar / Jun Sarkar