Australia will be taking on Sri Lanka in their first match of the Women’s T20 World Cup 2024. While they are led by a new captain compared to their previous edition, the rest of the squad consists of a lot of players who played in the T20 World Cup 2022. Hence, they will start as the favourites to win.
But they will not be rid of the challenges. Alyssa Healy would be under a bit of pressure to perform as a player in the new role. Being the defending champions, it would not be easy for Australia. But given the quality of the players, they must be able to claim a hat-trick of T20 World Cup titles.
Here’s Australia Women’s playing XI against Sri Lanka:
Top order – Alyssa Healy (C & WK), Beth Mooney, and Ellyse Perry
Australia has a fiery top order. They have a gun batter like Alyssa Healy who can blast the bowlers for fun right from the word go. She will also be the captain and wicket keeper of the side. To bat alongside her will be Beth Mooney.
She has the right game to start well and take the innings deeper. Whenever required, she can be aggressive. Ellyse Perry is likely to bat at 3. She will be the anchor of the side who can maintain a good strike rate. If required, she can step up as a bowler.
Middle order – Ashleigh Gardner, Phoebe Litchfield, and Tahlia McGrath
In the middle order, Australia has world-class All-rounders. One of them is the spin bowling All-rounder like Ashleigh Gardner who can bat with intent in the middle and be highly valuable as a spinner in the UAE conditions. Other is none other than Tahlia McGrath.
Arguably the best All-rounder in the world, she can win matches on her own both as a batter and as a bowler. At her best, she is nearly unstoppable. Australia is likely to bat Phoebe Litchfield at 5 in the middle order. She could play the role of the stabilizer, something similar to Roston Chase of WI.
Lower Middle Order – Grace Harris and Georgia Wareham
The All-rounder duo will prove mighty valuable for the balance of the side. Harris with her medium-pace bowling is more than handy. She can play impactful cameos lower down the order.
Georgia Warehman might be more useful than Grace considering her spin bowling and aggressive striking. The duo completed a great finish for the defending champions with great All-round options.
Bowlers – Annabel Sutherland, Sophie Molineux, and Megan Schutt
Australia is likely to go with two pacers Megan Schutt and Annabel Sutherland. With the former, the issue might be a lack of game time lately. Given the poor form, she might need a bit of confidence to back her performances. But Australia has options at the other end.
Despite returning from the injury, Annabel Sutherland will be the key pacer in the Australian attack. She can bowl at a good pace and take wickets as well. Australia will also have the services of a spinner like Sophie Molineux. If required, she can be handy as a batter lower down the order.
Australia’s playing XI against Sri Lanka
Alyssa Healy (C & WK), Beth Mooney, Elysse Perry, Ash Gardner, Phoebe Litchfield, Tahlia McGrath, Grace Harris, Georgia Wareham, Annabel Sutherland, Sophie Molineux, Megan Schutt
Disclaimer: This exclusive news is based on the author’s insights, analysis, and intuition. While reviewing this information, consider the points discussed and form your own conclusions.