Australia’s dominance in the Women’s T20 World Cup is well-established, having won six of the eight editions to date.
As they prepare for the 2024 tournament in the UAE, the team is once again set to be a major contender, with a mix of experienced players and emerging talents poised to take the field.
The Australian squad for the 2024 Women’s T20 World Cup has a familiar core, with Alyssa Healy captaining the team for the first time at a global event. Healy, who has been a vital part of Australia’s success over the years, is expected to bring her aggressive approach both behind the stumps and with the bat. Her leadership will be complemented by Tahlia McGrath, whose all-around capabilities add balance to the side.
Sophie Molineux and Grace Harris have made their return to the squad after overcoming injuries that sidelined them during the Hundred in England. Their availability further strengthens Australia’s depth, giving the team plenty of options in both the bowling and batting departments.
The Australian squad for the 2024 Women’s T20 World Cup has a familiar core // Picture Courtesy — The Independent
One of the key strengths of the Australian side heading into the tournament is the presence of two genuinely quick bowlers — Darcie Brown and Tayla Vlaeminck. Brown has made a successful comeback from a foot injury, which had kept her out of action for much of the past year. She showed her form in Australia’s series against the West Indies in October 2023, delivering impressive performances with the ball. Vlaeminck, another fast bowler, will add to Australia’s pace attack, making them a formidable bowling unit in the conditions of the UAE.
This pace duo could be a significant advantage for Australia, providing them with a different dimension, particularly in the early stages of the innings. Both bowlers are capable of generating high speeds, which could trouble batters on the relatively slower pitches in the UAE.
Notably absent from the squad is Jess Jonassen, a seasoned left-arm spinner who has been a consistent performer for Australia over the past decade. Jonassen’s omission marks the first time she has missed a World Cup for which she has been available, signaling a shift in Australia’s selection approach. Despite her exclusion, the door remains open for her return, especially with an Ashes series looming later in the season. National selector Shawn Flegler has expressed confidence in Jonassen’s ability to bounce back, and her performances will be closely watched in the coming months.
Phoebe Litchfield, one of the youngest members of the squad, will be making her debut at the Women’s T20 World Cup. Her presence adds a new element to Australia’s batting line-up. Known for her innovative stroke play and fearless approach, Litchfield could be a potential game-changer in the middle order. While this is her first World Cup, she is well-supported by an experienced group that includes the likes of Ellyse Perry, Beth Mooney, and Ashleigh Gardner.
Phoebe Litchfield will be making her Women’s T20 World Cup debut // Picture Courtesy — Female Cricket
Australia will be looking to secure their fourth consecutive T20 World Cup title in 2024, having won the tournament in 2018, 2020, and 2023. Their squad depth, combined with the balance between youth and experience, makes them the favourites once again. The return of key players from injury and the availability of the full contracted squad for the first time in a long period offers them an added boost.
With strong leadership, a potent pace attack, and a well-rounded batting line-up, Australia is well-positioned to make history by winning their seventh Women’s T20 World Cup. Their first challenge will be defending their title against fierce competition, starting with a match against New Zealand in the group stages. The road ahead promises to be tough, but Australia’s track record and squad strength make them a formidable force as they aim for yet another title.
