Aussies name strong squad for home series against BD, NZ

Australia will open their international calendar against Bangladesh in a three-match ODI series at Allan Border Field in Brisbane on October 9, 11, and 14. The matches, which form part of the ICC Women's Championship, are scheduled to start at 9:50 AM Bangladesh Time.

Following the Bangladesh series, the hosts will face 2024 T20 World Cup champions New Zealand in a three-match T20I series at North Sydney Oval on October 18, 20, and 22. The series serves as crucial preparation for the inaugural ICC Women's Champions Trophy set for February in India.

Squad selection comes amidst several injury concerns for the host nation. Captain Sophie Molineux has been named in both ODI and T20I squads while recovering from a hip injury, with her final participation subject to fitness assessments.

Fast bowler Darcie Brown has been ruled out due to a back injury, while young all-rounder Lucy Hamilton will miss the Bangladesh ODIs with a thigh strain, though she remains in line to return for the T20I series. All-rounder Grace Harris was also omitted from the selection.

Commenting on the announcement, National Selector Shawn Flegler noted that the six matches present an important challenge, highlighting Bangladesh's bowling attack as a strong test for the Australian batters against subcontinental conditions.

Australia Squad: Sophie Molineux (Captain), Ashleigh Gardner (Vice-captain), Tahlia McGrath (Vice-captain), Nicola Carey, Kim Garth, Lucy Hamilton (T20Is only), Ellyse Perry, Alana King, Phoebe Litchfield, Beth Mooney, Megan Schutt, Annabel Sutherland, Georgia Voll, Georgia Wareham.