WOMEN'S T20 WORLD CUP, 2020

Rising star Annabel Sutherland named in Australia's T20 World Cup squad

by Cricbuzz Staff • Last updated on

The 18-year-old Sutherland has been already been earmarked as a future superstar. © Getty

Teenager Annabel Sutherland has been named in Australia's 15-member squad for their T20 World Cup title defence. The 18-year-old, widely earmarked as a future superstar, made the cut following a succession of eye-catching performances at the domestic level as well as the Australia 'A' side.

Squad: Meg Lanning (c), Rachael Haynes (vc), Erin Burns, Ashleigh Gardner, Alyssa Healy, Jess Jonassen, Delissa Kimmince, Sophie Molineux, Beth Mooney, Ellyse Perry, Megan Schutt, Annabel Sutherland, Tayla Vlaeminck, Georgia Wareham

The squad also sees a return to international cricket for veteran all-rounder Sophie Molineux. The Victorian had stepped away from the game to focus on her mental health and missed Melbourne Renegades's WBBL campaign late last year. She returned to domestic cricket earlier this month and subsequently made herself available for next month's tri-series - also featuring India and England - leading into the World Cup.

"It's really pleasing to welcome Sophie Molineux back into the side, having spent some time out of the game for mental health reasons and getting her shoulder right," selector Shawn Flegler said.

"She was part of the side that won the 2018 World Cup and is a multi-skilled player who offers us another left-arm spinning option alongside Jess Jonassen. Sophie made herself available for both tours and we'll continue to manage her health as we go along. Her health is our No.1 priority."

The inclusion of the uncapped Sutherland, though, remained the big talking point in an otherwise settled Australian setup. The teenager had been knocking on the doors of national selection ever since she grabbed eyeballs after being picked by the Melbourne Stars at the age of 15 - then the youngest player to feature in the WBBL.

Annabel, daughter of longtime Cricket Australia Chief Executive James, missed a chunk of the recent season of the WBBL because of her Grade 12 exams, but put herself into contention with a string of consistent performances for the domestic and Australia A sides.

Last week, in the 50-over Women's National Cricket League, she hit a breezy 37-ball 43 in the first match against Western Australia and then went on to claim figures of 3/21 in eight overs. She topped that performance with a 67 and 1/49, outshining international stars such as Meg Lanning, Ellyse Perry and Elyse Villani, who are also in her side. Sutherland also starred with the ball in Australia A's recent victories in the 20-over and 50-over clashes against India A.

"We're really pleased for Annabel Sutherland, who has been playing domestic cricket for a few years now, as well as being a part of Australia A and Under-19 sides," Flegler said.

"She has progressed significantly over the past few months. Anyone who has seen her play will know how special a talent she is, and we know that if called upon, she'll be able to play a variety of roles in the side. This will be another terrific experience for someone who we see as the future of Australian cricket."

Australia will build up towards their title defence with the same World Cup squad partaking T20 tri-series featuring India and England starting on January 31. They will open their World Cup campaign against India in Sydney on February 21.

© Cricbuzz

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