New Delhi, Dec 22 (NationPress) Australia’s captain Alyssa Healy, batter Georgia Voll, fast bowler Darice Brown, and all-rounder Heather Graham have been included in the Governor General's XI for the upcoming 50-over warm-up match against England.

The squad, comprising 14 players, will be led by Nicole Faltum and is set to compete against England on January 9, 2025, at North Sydney Oval. This match precedes the multi-format Ashes series, which commences at the same venue with the first ODI on January 12.

Alyssa Healy recently made her comeback from a knee injury, playing as a specialist batter in the second ODI against New Zealand last Saturday. Her knee injury limited her participation in the WBBL season to just four matches, following a right foot injury that curtailed her involvement in this year’s Women’s T20 World Cup.

Several talented young players, including Milly Illingworth, Tess Flintoff, spinners Sophie Day and Amy Smith, along with batters Charli Knott, Rhys McKenna, and Anika Learoyd, are also part of the host’s squad.

“We’re eagerly anticipating this match, as it’s always a significant event on our calendar. It provides a fantastic opportunity for our emerging talents to compete against a formidable England team ahead of what promises to be a highly competitive Ashes Series,” stated Faltum.

“The selected players have demonstrated outstanding performance throughout the summer across multiple competitions, and we’re excited to see their capabilities against a world-class opponent.”

“This match also offers several contracted Australian players valuable game time before the Ashes, particularly Alyssa Healy, who is carefully returning from her knee injury.”

“This year is particularly noteworthy, as Her Excellency the Honourable Sam Mostyn AC will become the first female Governor-General to lead an XI. We express our gratitude to the Governor-General for her support of this fixture, and we look forward to what promises to be a remarkable event,” commented Shawn Flegler, CA’s Head of Performance (Women’s Cricket) and National Selector.

Former Australian cricketer and current assistant coach for South Australia’s women’s team and the Adelaide Strikers' WBBL side, Nicole Bolton, will coach the team, assisted by Clive Rose and Gavan Twining.

Governor-General's XI squad: Nicole Faltum (c), Charli Knott (vc), Darcie Brown, Sophie Day, Tess Flintoff, Heather Graham, Alyssa Healy, Milly Illingworth, Anika Learoyd, Rhys McKenna, Amy Smith, Georgia Voll, Tahlia Wilson, and Leading Aircraftwoman Samantha Quadrio (Australian Defence Force).