Australia's Erin Osborne out for first three South Africa ODIs
Australia women have named a 13-player squad for the first three ODIs of their upcoming home series against South Africa, beginning on November 18. There are no additions to the 14-member squad that toured Sri Lanka in September, but offspinner Erin Osborne has been left out from the reduced squad.
National selector Shawn Flegler said the selection panel was happy with the recent form shown by players like Meg Lanning, Ellyse Perry, Alyssa Healy, and Alex Blackwell, who have all scored centuries in the Women's National Cricket League, Australia's domestic one-day tournament.
"The [selectors have] been pleased with the form shown by the players in the early rounds of the WNCL, with all players amongst the runs and wickets for their state sides," Flegler said.
"We have left the door open for other players to continue to press for selection in the final two games with strong performances in the third round of the WNCL."
The teams will play five day-night ODIs, of which the first three will be part of the ICC Women's Championship fixtures. Australia have already won the Championship and sealed automatic qualification for next year's World Cup. They will be presented with the Championship trophy after the third ODI on November 23.
South Africa, on the other hand, will have to win all three fixtures and depend on other results to finish in the top four and secure automatic qualification. The top four teams from the Championship automatically qualify for the World Cup, while the bottom four have to play a qualification tournament.
Australia women's squad
Meg Lanning (capt), Alex Blackwell (vice-capt), Kristen Beams, Nicole Bolton, Rene Farrell, Holly Ferling, Grace Harris, Alyssa Healy, Jess Jonassen, Beth Mooney, Ellyse Perry, Megan Schutt, Elyse Villani
South Africa women in Australia 2016-17 : Australia's Erin Osborne out for first three South Africa ODIs | Cricket News | Global | ESPN Cricinfo
