Australia have revealed their 15-member squad for the Women’s T20 World Cup 2024, which will take place in the UAE this October. The event was originally set to be held in Bangladesh, but political unrest in the region prompted the International Cricket Council (ICC) to shift the tournament to the UAE.

Surprising omission: No place for Jess Jonassen

In a notable exclusion, experienced left-arm spinner Jess Jonassen has been left out of the squad. Jonassen has not represented Australia in T20Is since the home series against the West Indies in 2023, and her last international appearance was the Test match against India at Wankhede. Despite this, she had an outstanding season in the Women’s Big Bash League (WBBL) 2023, where she finished as Brisbane Heat’s highest wicket-taker with 24 wickets and the second overall in the tournament. Jonassen was also joint third highest wicket-taker in the Women’s Premier League (WPL) 2024, claiming 11 wickets.

“Jess Jonassen is again unlucky to miss out, but we’ve been impressed with the way she’s bounced back, and we’ll continue to monitor her form ahead of the home summer,” said Shawn Flegler, Cricket Australia’s Head of Performance (Women’s Cricket) and National Selector, in an official statement.

Also WATCH: Jess Jonassen rattles Natasha McLean’s stumps with a stunning delivery in the WCPL 2024

Tayla Vlaeminck returns; Heather Graham excluded from World Cup

Fast bowler Tayla Vlaeminck has been recalled to the squad after her return during the T20I leg of Australia’s Bangladesh tour. Vlaeminck had been sidelined due to a stress injury before the 2022 ODI World Cup. Additionally, all-rounder Heather Graham has been selected for the upcoming T20I series against New Zealand but will not be traveling to the UAE for the World Cup.

Leadership: Alyssa Healy to lead, Tahila McGrath as vice-captain

Alyssa Healy will continue to lead the Australian side, with all-rounder Tahlia McGrath serving as her deputy. The squad includes a mix of experience and youth, with star players like Ash Gardner, Ellyse Perry, and Megan Schutt among those selected to defend Australia’s title.

Australia squad for the Women’s T20 World Cup 2024:

Alyssa Healy (c), Darcie Brown, Ash Gardner, Kim Garth, Grace Harris, Alana King, Phoebe Litchfield, Tahlia McGrath (vc), Sophie Molineux, Beth Mooney, Ellyse Perry, Megan Schutt, Annabel Sutherland, Georgia Wareham, Tayla Vlaeminck

Also WATCH: Jess Jonassen mirrors Shah Rukh Khan’s iconic ‘arm pose’ after taking a wicket in WCPL 2024

This article was first published at WomenCricket.com, a Cricket Times company.

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