Rising star axed for debutant in T20 World Cup squad

Rising star fast bowler Darcie Brown has been brutally axed from Australia's squad for the women's Twenty20 World Cup.

The 23-year-old right-arm quick was a notable omission when Cricket Australia named a 15-player squad for the tournament on Wednesday morning.

Brown has played 41 T20 internationals for Australia and averages 25.20, thanks to her ability to bowl fast and swing the new ball. She's also played six Tests and 30 one-day internationals.

READ MORE: Dragons target two stars for 'radical surgery' on spine

READ MORE: NBA in shock after star found dead at 29

READ MORE: Unknown Aussie produces 'miracle' in English cricket

But she's been cut from the squad for the World Cup, overlooked for fellow fast bowler Lucy Hamilton.

"Darcie Brown was unlucky to miss out but the decision was based on the conditions we're expecting and the makeup of the side," team selector Shawn Flegler said.

"With at least six right-arm pace options in the mix and raw pace expected to be less effective, we opted to go with Lucy Hamilton who offers something different as a left-arm quick."

Hamilton, 20, said she feels her "point of difference" as a left-arm quick has helped her break into the Aussie team. 

"Being a left-arm quick is a point of difference. There's not many left-armers in the world going around, so it definitely helps me," Hamilton told Wide World of Sports on Wednesday morning. 

"Obviously, it's my first World Cup and first time going to England, so lots of things in the making, but really, excited and really thankful for the opportunity. 

"The team's obviously, yeah, a very established team, and everyone knows what they're doing. I'm really excited to learn, and, grow as much as I can."

The women's World Cup will be played in England and Wales across June and July. Australia's first World Cup match is against South Africa on June 13.

Before that, the team has three warm-up matches against South Africa and then two official World Cup warm-up matches against England and the West Indies.

Sophie Molineux will captain the team for the first time, with Alyssa Healy having retired from the game earlier this year.

"I think it's really exciting, and knowing what (Healy) offered previously, and the legacy that she's lived, it will never be forgotten," Hamilton said of Healy.

"I think everyone's really excited for this next chapter of having Soph as our new captain, and seeing what this team can get to and trying to be the best in the world."

Hamilton will make her international debut while Tahlia Wilson will be the squad's travelling reserve.

"These squads are never easy to select but we're confident with the balance and stability we've got across the group. It's an experienced group and one we believe is capable of winning the World Cup," Flegler said.

Sophie Molineux of Australia fields during game two of the Women's T20 International series between Australia and India.

"Sophie has already made her mark as captain and built a strong connection with the group over the last couple of tours, so we're looking forward to seeing what this side can achieve under her leadership.

"Grace Harris comes into the side having missed the recent series against the West Indies. She's a handy all-round option and someone who can take the game away from an opposition.

"We're pleased to welcome Annabel Sutherland back from an extended break as well, she's fresh and ready to go and will play an important role throughout the tournament."

Australia's Women's T20 World Cup squad

Nicola Carey, Ashleigh Gardner, Kim Garth, Lucy Hamilton, Grace Harris, Alana King, Phoebe Litchfield, Tahlia McGrath, Sophie Molineux, Beth Mooney, Ellyse Perry, Megan Schutt, Annabel Sutherland, Georgia Voll, Georgia Wareham, Tahlia Wilson (reserve)

Be the first to comment

Leave a Reply