Hobart, Feb 28 (NationPress) Uncapped teenage pacer Lucy Hamilton is nearing her potential international debut as she has been included in the squad for the third and final ODI against India. The Australia women's cricket team is currently facing a growing injury crisis.

With a 6–4 lead in the multi-format points-based series following a strong win at Bellerive Oval on Friday, a clean sweep of the ODI leg in Hobart would secure the series trophy before the upcoming day-night Test in Perth.

Hamilton, a left-arm fast bowler, has joined the squad due to injuries to Kim Garth and Ellyse Perry. She has been ramping up her training in preparation for the longer format and was observed putting in considerable effort during the nets after Friday's match. Her inclusion has provided her with additional exposure to the national team, with selectors keenly assessing her readiness.

Australia selector Shawn Flegler confirmed that Hamilton is very much in contention for the Sunday match. "That’s one of the opportunities for us. We’ll evaluate how things go today (in the second ODI)... hopefully, we secure another victory, and then that allows us to consider Luce for game three," Flegler stated as quoted by cricket.com.au.

"Lucy’s been brought in for the ODIs, which gives her the chance to be part of the squad earlier than initially planned. We’ll see how today unfolds, and there might be an opportunity for her on Sunday too. We’re eager to see what she can contribute to the Australian side; I believe she has a bright future ahead of her," he added.

Given that the same pitch is expected to be used again, conditions may favor spin, potentially paving the way for leg-spinner Georgia Wareham to return to the playing XI. The hosts have had to adjust their bowling lineup, with Nicola Carey stepping in after Sophie Molineux was ruled out for the rest of the series due to a back injury. Carey made her comeback in the ODI, taking a wicket but conceding 55 runs in eight overs.

The team management might also consider rotating their key fast bowlers, including Darcie Brown, who has played in every match thus far, to manage their workload ahead of the Test.

"The wicket has performed very well so far; if we play on the same pitch, it might turn a bit more or stay lower on Sunday. We also have Georgia Wareham eager for a chance... we have several options available," Flegler noted.

Australia is expected to further strengthen their squad ahead of the pink-ball Test at the WACA Ground, as injuries continue to impact selection choices.

"We’ll assess the situation over the next 24 to 48 hours, but we will definitely need to bring someone in," Flegler added.

The team is set to travel to Perth on Monday, providing a brief opportunity to recuperate and adjust as they aim to conclude the series successfully while preparing for the four-day match.