Australia favours spin as they reveal ODI Women's World Cup squad

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Australia women's cricket team

Australia have named their 15-player squad for the upcoming ODI Women's World Cup in New Zealand. 

Both Amanda-Jade Wellington and Grace Harris return to the side after long absences with injured Sophie Molineux ruled of the tournament. 

Tayla Vlaeminck and Georgia Wareham are also missing through injury, while Hannah Darlington and Georgia Redmayne have been selected as travelling reserves. 

National selector Shawn Flegler explained the squad choices on Wednesday and admitted there is a strong focus on spin. 

"Amanda-Jade provides us with another quality spin option...leg-spin has been a big part of our success in recent years and while Alana King is currently doing that role for us, there’s no reason we couldn’t play both in the same team if conditions and match-ups suit," Flegler said.

"Grace didn’t get much of a go in the recent T20s, but she brings the versatility to bat anywhere in the top or middle-order and her bowling could also be a real asset throughout the tournament as we’ve seen orthodox spinners have a lot of success in New Zealand.

"We’ve been able to put together a really talented squad with some fresh faces as well as players with significant World Cup experience." 

New Zealand remains under red level restrictions due to COVID-19 meaning all players will spend 10 days in managed isolation once they arrive in the country next month. 

England are the reigning ODI World Cup holders after beating India in the 2017 final, while Australia are the most successful team in the tournament having lifted the title six times. 

The green and gold are expected to play two warm-up matches next month in Christchurch before starting their World Cup campaign against England on March 5. 

Australia's ODI World Cup squad 

Meg Lanning (c), Rachael Haynes (vc), Darcie Brown, Nicola Carey, Ashleigh Gardner, Grace Harris, Alyssa Healy, Jess Jonassen, Alana King, Beth Mooney, Tahlia McGrath, Ellyse Perry, Megan Schutt, Annabel Sutherland, Amanda-Jade Wellington

Travelling reserves: Hannah Darlington, Georgia Redmayne

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