Alyssa Healy backed to play Twenty20 World Cup in February as Australia names 15-player squad

Australia is backing wicketkeeper and opening batter Alyssa Healy to return from her calf injury in time for the Twenty20 World Cup in February.

The 32-year-old has been included in Australia’s squad for the World Cup in South Africa, starting on February 11.

Leg spinner Georgia Wareham is also in the squad after recovering from a torn ACL, while Meg Lanning is returning to the international scene after an indefinite break from cricket, with WNCL matches under her belt and ODIs and T20s against Pakistan starting on Monday.

“Seeing Meg and Georgia back in action for Victoria has been exciting. Both bring a wealth of experience to the group, which is always crucial during major tournaments,” selector Shawn Flegler said.

“Georgia in particular, has had a tough run of injuries, but she’s shown a great deal of resilience and her return is a real boost for the side.”

Heather Graham and Irish-born Kim Garth are both in the 15-player squad after making their T20 debuts for Australia against India last month, while Nicola Carey, Phoebe Litchfield and Amanda-Jade Wellington missed out on selection, despite playing in the last game of that five-match series.

Litchfield was named to open in the final T20 in Mumbai after Healy was forced to retire hurt while batting with a strained calf in the penultimate match.

Australia’s vice-captain was player of the match in the final of the last T20 World Cup, when she scored 75 off 39 in a famous 85-run win over India at the MCG, and was also best on ground with 170 off 138 in the 50-over World Cup final victory last year.

Star spinner Jess Jonassen is also coming back from a hamstring injury that forced her to miss the series in India last month. 

“Alyssa and Jess are expected to be fully fit and firing after minor injuries as well, so we’ve got a full-strength squad with plenty of variety with both bat and ball if required,” Flegler said.

“Heather and Kim both impressed when given the chance during the India series, and we know they are ready to perform their role if the opportunity presents.”