In the announcement of a 14-man squad for the forthcoming three-match T20I series against New Zealand, which begins on March 21, wicketkeeper-batter Nicole Faltum received her first international call-up. Tahlia McGrath has been named captain, with Ashleigh Gardner acting as her deputy, since usual captain Alyssa Healy is still recuperating from a foot injury.
Nicole Faltum, 25, is a reliable player in domestic cricket, especially in the Women’s Big Bash League (WBBL).
She participated in the league for eight seasons and was a key player in the Melbourne Renegades’ WBBL-10 championship run.
Shawn Flegler, National Selector and Head of Performance (Women’s Cricket) for Cricket Australia, discussed Nicole Faltum skills and the value of developing a backup wicketkeeping option.
“It’s exciting to be able to bring Nicole into the squad, she’s been a consistent performer over a long period of time and will provide a strong back-up option to Beth who will take the gloves during the series,” Flegler was cited by Cricbuzz.
Alyssa is putting a lot of effort into her therapy.
The selectors saw Faltum as a long-term commitment, even though Mooney took over as wicketkeeper in the most recent Women’s Ashes series. However, Healy is still unable to play in the series due to a foot ailment sustained during the Ashes.
Even though Beth performed admirably throughout the Ashes without Alyssa, it’s crucial that we keep an eye on the future, and Nicole is undoubtedly someone who we can see donning the green and gold for a very long time. Alyssa’s foot injury from the Ashes prevents her from playing in this series. In order to be ready for the one-day World Cup later this year, she is putting a lot of effort into her rehabilitation,” Flegler continued.
Along with up-and-coming talent like Georgia Voll and Phoebe Litchfield, the team also includes names like Ellyse Perry, Megan Schutt, and Annabel Sutherland.
The three-game series will start at Eden Park in Auckland on March 21. Games will then be played at Bay Oval in Tauranga on March 23 and Sky Stadium in Wellington on March 26.
Australia Women’s Team for the T20Is vs New Zealand
Tahlia McGrath (captain), Ashleigh Gardner (vice-captain), Darcie Brown, Nicole Faltum, Kim Garth, Grace Harris, Alana King, Phoebe Litchfield, Beth Mooney, Ellyse Perry, Megan Schutt, Annabel Sutherland, Georgia Voll, Georgia Wareham
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