Ferling returns for Women’s Ashes

Meg Lanning will lead Australia’s push to reclaim the Women’s Ashes in England next month, with three potential Test debutants named in a touring party of 15.

Pace bowler Holly Ferling returns to the Southern Stars squad after injury, while batter Nicole Bolton, spinner Kristen Beams and allrounder Jess Jonassen could win their first Test caps.

Chair of selectors Julie Savage said Ferling had overcome the back injury that caused her to miss last year’s series against Pakistan and the West Indies.

“Holly Ferling has been training very well at the Bupa National Cricket Centre in Brisbane and will spearhead our pace attack with Ellyse Perry,” she said.

The reigning World Cup champions are looking to win back the Women’s Ashes after consecutive series losses to England, and must break a long drought to do so.

Australia haven’t won a Women’s Ashes series on British soil in 14 years.

Unlike the men’s Ashes, which is decided by a Test series, the women’s squads play all three formats in their series, receiving two points for one-day international and T20 wins and four points for Test success.

The rivals will play three ODIs, one Test and three T20s.

T20 specialist Delissa Kimmince will replace Bolton in the squad for the short form matches that finish the tour.

Victoria and New South Wales provide five members each to the touring party.

Australian women’s Ashes squad: Meg Lanning (Vic – captain), Alex Blackwell (NSW – vice captain), Kristen Beams (Vic), Nicole Bolton (Vic), Jess Cameron (Vic), Sarah Coyte (NSW), Rene Farrell (ACT), Holly Ferling (Qld), Alyssa Healy (NSW), Jess Jonassen (Qld), Delissa Kimmince (Qld), Erin Osborne (NSW), Ellyse Perry (NSW), Megan Schutt (SA), Elyse Villani (Vic).

WOMEN’S ASHES FIXTURES

July 21 – ODI, Taunton

July 23 – ODI, Bristol

July 26 – ODI, Worcester

August 11-14 – Test, Canterbury

August 26 – T20, Chelmsford

August 28 – T20, Hove

August 31 – T20, Cardiff

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