Beams named in Ashes squad

A Cricket Australia XI (CAXI) to face England in two 50-over tour matches has also been named with Molly Strano to captain the side. Strano will be joined by Hayleigh Brennan, Sophie Molineux, Alana King and Tayla Vlaeminck from the VicSpirit squad.

Speaking on the selection of the ODI and Test squads, National Selector Shawn Flegler said:

“This was a really tough selection process for the Panel with some talented players missing out, but we’re confident we have selected a balanced side that has the potential to beat England and retain the Ashes.”

“Of the 15 players selected across the weekend, eight posted scores of 50 or more for their domestic sides, including four centuries, whilst fast-bowlers Lauren Cheatle and Tahlia McGrath made successful returns from injury.

“It’s important with the multi-format nature of this series to start well, and whilst the big prize is retaining the Ashes, this series presents a golden opportunity for the team to reinstate themselves as the number one ranked side in the world.”

Speaking on the selection of the CAXI, Female High Performance Coach Leah Poulton said:

“To have a CAXI include in this series is really exciting and it’s a great chance for the players who have been selected to test themselves against the number one team in the world.”

“Whilst they weren’t considered for selection due to their involvement in Australia’s 50-over tour matches, there’s some exciting young talent coming out of Queensland as well which is great to see.

“Opportunities like this ensure we continue to develop the players capable of representing Australia in the future and adding to the depth of talent in Australian cricket.”

The first match of the series to be played in Brisbane is already sold out, with Australia and England to battle it out across three One-Day Internationals, an inaugural Ashes Day-Night Test match and three Twenty20 Internationals.