Scorchers pair selected for historical tour of Bangladesh

Victorian pair Tayla Vlaeminck and Sophie Molineux headline the inclusions after earning selection in both the T20I and ODI squads. 

Vlaeminck, one of the world’s fastest bowlers, made a successful return for Victoria earlier this year after recovering from a shoulder injury sustained while playing for Australia A in England last July. 

Molineux, who played in Australia’s Test victory over South Africa earlier this month, was the standout bowler of the 2023-24 WNCL season with 17 wickets at an average of 14.47 and a best of 6-45 since her return in December. 

Spinner Jess Jonassen and all-rounder Heather Graham have been omitted from the squad that faced South Africa earier this month. 

The back-to-back three-match series' will be played at the National Cricket Stadium in Dhaka, beginning with the first ODI on Thursday, March 21. 

The three one-day matches form part of the ICC Women's Championship, with two points up for grabs per match. Australia sits on top of the table, with the top five teams at the conclusion of the Championship cycle to qualify directly for the 2025 Women's Cricket World Cup in India. 

The series marks Australia’s first bilateral tour of Bangladesh and the first time the Australian women’s team has played in Bangladesh since the victorious 2014 ICC T20 World Cup campaign. 

Australian squad for the CommBank Tour of Bangladesh   
Alyssa Healy (NSW / Sydney Sixers / Sydney CC) - Captain 
Darcie Brown (SA / Adelaide Strikers / Northern Districts CC)  
Ashleigh Gardner (NSW / Sydney Sixers / Bankstown CC)   
Kim Garth (VIC / Melbourne Stars / Dandenong CC)   
Grace Harris (QLD / Brisbane Heat / Western Suburbs CC)* 
Alana King (WA / Perth Scorchers / Midland Guildford CC) 
Phoebe Litchfield (NSW / Sydney Thunder / Sydney University CC)   
Tahlia McGrath (SA / Adelaide Strikers / Glenelg CC) - Vice-Captain 
Sophie Molineux (VIC / Melbourne Renegades / Dandenong CC) 
Beth Mooney (WA / Perth Scorchers / Sandgate-Redcliffe CC)   
Ellyse Perry (VIC / Sydney Sixers / Dandenong CC)   
Megan Schutt (SA / Adelaide Strikers / Sturt CC)   
Annabel Sutherland (VIC / Melbourne Stars / Prahran CC)   
Georgia Wareham (VIC / Melbourne Renegades / Essendon Maribyrnong Park CC) 
Tayla Vlaeminck (VIC / Melbourne Renegades / Plenty Valley CC) 

*T20s only  

CA’s Head of Performance (Women’s Cricket) and National Selector, Shawn Flegler said:    

"It’s great to welcome back Tayla and Sophie into the Australian white ball squads for the upcoming tour of Bangladesh. 

“Tayla has put in a mountain of work over the past six months after a disappointing setback in England. She has shown terrific positivity and resilience throughout her recovery and we’re looking forward to seeing her back in Australian colours. 

“Sophie was an all-format player for Australia before her injuries, she’s missed a significant amount of cricket over the past two years but since her return she has barely missed a beat and this tour is another great step for her. 

“We’ve tried to pick a balanced squad with multiple bowling options and, unfortunately for Jess and Heather, they have missed out on this occasion. 

“While we know both will be disappointed to miss out on selection, they’re exceptional cricketers who are highly valued by our group and we certainly haven’t counted them out of future opportunities. 

“With a T20 World Cup in Bangladesh in September, this tour provides a vital opportunity for our players to experience and familiarise themselves with the conditions and wickets we’re likely to face later in the year.”