Healy Excluded, Aus Selects Uncapped Faltum for McGrath-led Squad Against NZ T20Is
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Synopsis
Alyssa Healy is out of the upcoming T20 series against New Zealand due to a foot injury, leading to Nicole Faltum's first international call-up. Tahlia McGrath will captain the squad with Ashleigh Gardner as vice-captain. The series is set to take place from March 21 to 26.
Key Takeaways
- Alyssa Healy ruled out due to injury.
- Nicolet Faltum earns her first call-up.
- Tahlia McGrath appointed captain.
- Australia to face New Zealand in three T20Is.
- Matches scheduled from March 21 to 26.
Melbourne, Feb 26 (NationPress) Alyssa Healy has been officially sidelined for the forthcoming T20 series in New Zealand due to a foot injury. In her stead, wicketkeeper-batter Nicole Faltum has received her inaugural international call-up as Cricket Australia revealed a 14-member squad on Wednesday.
The selectors have appointed Tahlia McGrath as the captain for the series, with Ashleigh Gardner serving as her deputy. Australia is set to compete in three T20 matches against the World Champions New Zealand from March 21 to 26.
Faltum makes her debut in the Australian team following the absence of captain Healy, who is still in recovery from a foot injury she sustained last month during her team's successful Ashes campaign.
She has been selected to provide wicketkeeping support for Beth Mooney, who will don the gloves in Healy's absence.
The 24-year-old Faltum has participated in the last eight editions of the WBBL and recently joined the title-winning Melbourne Renegades for WBBL 10, where her skills with the gloves and lower-order batting were crucial.
Faltum is experienced in facing international teams, having represented Australia A on several occasions and captained the Governor-General’s XI against England in January.
“Bringing Nicole into the squad is thrilling; she has been a consistent performer over the years and will be a strong backup option for Beth, who will keep wickets during this series,” commented national selector Shawn Flegler.
“While Beth excelled during the Ashes in Alyssa’s absence, it’s essential to look to the future, and Nicole is definitely someone we envision wearing the green and gold for a long time,” he added.
“Alyssa is unavailable for this series due to the foot injury she sustained during the Ashes. She is working diligently on her rehabilitation with hopes of being fit for the one-day World Cup later this year,” he further stated.
Australia squad: Tahlia McGrath (c), Ash Gardner (vc), Darcie Brown, Nicole Faltum, Kim Garth, Grace Harris, Alana King, Phoebe Litchfield, Beth Mooney, Ellyse Perry, Megan Schutt, Annabel Sutherland, Georgia Voll, Georgia Wareham
Schedule: March 21: Eden Park, Auckland
March 23: Bay Oval, Tauranga
March 26: Sky Stadium, Wellington
