NSW Breakers stars Alyssa Healy, Ash Gardner and Phoebe Litchfield have today been named by the Cricket Australia National Selection Panel (NSP) in a 15-player squad for the CommBank Women’s T20I Series against New Zealand and ICC Women’s T20 World Cup in the United Arab Emirates.

Healy will captain the team as they strive to become the first team, men or women’s, to claim four consecutive T20 World Cup titles.       

Australia will face New Zealand in a three-match T20I series in Mackay and Brisbane before travelling to the UAE to defend its World Cup crown.

Cricket Australia’s Head of Performance (Women’s Cricket) and National Selector, Shawn Flegler said:

“This is the first time in a long time we’ve had our entire contract list available for selection ahead of a World Cup and it’s resulted in a really stable and balanced squad.

“It’s the first time Alyssa will have the reins at a World Cup and we’ve already seen what her and Tahlia (McGrath) bring from a leadership perspective, so it’s exciting for them to have this opportunity to lead their country on the biggest stage.

“Phoebe is a real x-factor for us and will be well supported by an experienced group at her first World Cup.”

Fans can watch all the action when Australia takes on New Zealand live on the Seven Network, 7Plus, Fox Cricket, Kayo Sports and ABC Radio.

The ICC Women’s T20 World Cup will be live and exclusive on Prime Video from October 3.

The 15 players selected are:

Alyssa Healy (NSW / Sydney Sixers / Sydney CC) – Captain 

Darcie Brown (SA / Adelaide Strikers / Northern Districts CC)  
Ashleigh Gardner (NSW / Sydney Sixers / Bankstown CC)   
Kim Garth (VIC / Melbourne Stars / Dandenong CC)   
Grace Harris (QLD / Brisbane Heat / Western Suburbs CC)
Alana King (WA / Perth Scorchers / Midland Guildford CC) 
Phoebe Litchfield (NSW / Sydney Thunder / Sydney University CC)   
Tahlia McGrath (SA / Adelaide Strikers / Glenelg CC) – Vice-Captain 

Sophie Molineux (VIC / Melbourne Renegades / Dandenong CC) 

Beth Mooney (WA / Perth Scorchers / Sandgate-Redcliffe CC)   
Ellyse Perry (VIC / Sydney Sixers / Dandenong CC)   
Megan Schutt (SA / Adelaide Strikers / Sturt CC)   
Annabel Sutherland (VIC / Melbourne Stars / Prahran CC)   
Georgia Wareham (VIC / Melbourne Renegades / Essendon Maribyrnong Park CC) 

Tayla Vlaeminck (VIC / Melbourne Renegades / Plenty Valley CC)