As the defending champions, Australia will compete in the Women’s T20 World Cup in 2024. They won the trophy for a record-tying sixth time in the 2023 edition final, defeating South Africa in the process.
The team is formidable on paper for the next edition, and Australian all-rounder Ashleigh Gardner has selected two young players who will shape Australian cricket in the future.
The 27-year-old, who has participated in 90 Twenty20 Internationals for Australia, will be a valuable addition to the team this World Cup. The all-rounder has stated that she is counting on players like Annabel Sutherland and Phoebe Litchfield to perform well in the event, even if her team still includes Alyssa Healy and Ellyse Perry.
Ashleigh Gardner told ABC SPORT Daily, “She’s a very classy little kid and she’s kind of shown what she’s capable of at the highest level.”
“There are a tonne of alternatives, but Annabel Sutherland comes to mind. Clearly, we have witnessed her abilities, both with the bat and the ball. She has the ability to win the game in both of its aspects, in my opinion. But in terms of young, Phoebe Litchfield [would be a player to keep an eye on].
“Those two younger players are definitely going to be around for 10 years, probably lighting up the world and no doubt winning many World Cups along the way,” the speaker continued. “There are so many people to keep your eye on.”
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Australia is grouped with Pakistan, New Zealand, India, and Sri Lanka. against October 5, they will take against Sri Lanka in their opening tournament match.
Australia squad for T20 World Cup 2024: Alyssa Healy (c), Tahlia McGrath (vc), Darcie Brown, Ash Gardner, Kim Garth, Grace Harris, Alana King, Phoebe Litchfield, Sophie Molineux, Beth Mooney, Ellyse Perry, Megan Schutt, Annabel Sutherland, Tayla Vlaeminck, Georgia Wareham