Republic of Ireland international Kim Garth selected for Australia’s T20 tour of India with Phoebe Lichfield and Heather Graham.

Former Irish international Kim Garth has been unexpectedly named to Australia’s 15-man squad for the five-match T20 series in India next month.

The 26-year-old has played 85 times for Ireland since making her debut at the age of 14 and last played for her home country in 2019. She moved to Victoria in 2020 to pursue her goal of becoming a professional cricketer and had previously obtained residency. this year, making her eligible for the Australian preselection.

Garth, an all-around bowler, was named Melbourne Stars Player of the Year last season after taking 15 wickets at 18.73. She finished with 12 wickets in WBBL08.

Garth is one of three players planning to debut in T20I in India. The team will be led by Alyssa Healy for the first time in Meg Lanning’s absence.

Phoebe Lichfield also received her first national team call-up. The amazing 19-year-old has been one of the most exciting talents in Australia and is finishing his most productive WBBL season to date with 280 runs in 13 games.

She won her first WNCL century earlier in the season and Healy had previously considered Lichfield as an option for Australia’s mid-tier in the future.

“She’s just a young cricketer, but I mean she’s incredibly talented,” Healy told reporters in October.

“This left-handed variation is what we really focus on on the Aussie side in this middle order.

“I see Phoebe playing for Australia for a long period of time.”

Heather Graham is another player looking to make their way to the side. The 26-year-old played one ODI in 2019 but was a member of several extended squads, including as an emergency player during this year’s World Cup in New Zealand.

The all-rounder had a strong WBBL08 with 237 runs and eight wickets, a decisive factor in the Hurricanes’ return to the Finals for the first time in seven years.

The T20 series against India will be the first in Australia since 2016 without Lanning or Rachel Haynes, the latter now officially retired after playing her final game for the Sydney Thunder on Sunday.

Another significant omission from Australia’s Commonwealth Games winning team is Amanda-Jade Wellington’s spinning leg.

Wellington was named to the WBBL08 Team of the Tournament on Monday after taking 21 wickets this season. However, she was excluded from the group heading to India on December 4th, and the breeders were content with their spinnings from Alana King, Jess Jonassen and Ash Gardner.

The five matches are Australia’s only overseas training ahead of next year’s T20 World Cup in South Africa. Accordingly, national selector Sean Flegler indicated that the team was selected with the understanding that players must have international experience before embarking on a title defense.

“It’s nice to be able to reward Phoebe, Kim and Heather for their strong form throughout the WBBL,” said Flegler. “Hopefully they get the chance to show what they can do at some point in the series.

“Without Meg and Rachel, this series will provide opportunities for players, especially in the top ranks, so we’re looking forward to seeing who raises their hand.”

Ellis Perry and Annabelle Sutherland are expected to have their first opportunity to replace Lanning and Haynes in the Australian line-up.

Both all-rounders have been on the fringes of the team during recent World Cup and Commonwealth Games triumphs but have enjoyed strong WBBL campaigns.

Talia McGrath will become vice-captain of Australia. This adds to the 27-year-old’s growing leadership experience after leading the Adelaide Strikers to second place in WBBL08.

FULL AUSTRALIAN TEAM FOR TOUR OF INDIA

Alyssa Healy (c)

Talia McGrath (VK)

Darcy Brown

Nicola Carey

Ashley Gardner

Kim Garth

Heather Graham

Grace Harris

Jess Jonassen

Alan King

Phoebe Lichfield

Beth Mooney

Ellis Perry

Megan Shutt

Annabelle Sutherland

Originally published as Republic of Ireland international Kim Garth has been selected for the Australian T20 tour of India alongside Phoebe Lichfield and Heather Graham.