Dublin-born fast bowler Kim Garth is all set to make a remarkable homecoming as she joins a strong Australian squad for a highly-anticipated bilateral series against Ireland. This will be the first time since 2015 that Australia Women’s will return to Ireland for a competitive cricket contest. The three-match One Day International (ODI) series starts from 23 July in Dublin and is also a crucial part of the ICC Women’s Championship, which adds further significance to the matches.
Notably, Garth’s cricket journey began at a tender age, and she made her senior debut for Ireland at 14. Over the years, she honed her skills and became an integral part of the Irish team, playing an impressive 114 international matches for the Irish side. However, she took a bold step by relocating to Australia to pursue a professional cricket career in 2020.
Garth played her first ODI for the Aussie side in January 2023 and was recently presented with a Test debut cap in Women’s Ashes 2023. Her inclusion in the Australian squad brings a wealth of experience and expertise. As a versatile all-rounder, she possesses the ability to contribute with both bat and ball, adding depth to Australia’s lineup.
Apart from the notable inclusion of Garth for the tour, there is one prominent Australian player who won’t feature in the Ireland series and was not picked in the squad. Fast bowler Megan Schutt will be given a well-deserved rest following the women’s Ashes series, allowing her to recuperate and prepare for upcoming challenges. Meanwhile, Alyssa Healy will continue to captain the Aussie side in regular skipper Meg Lanning‘s absence on the visit, with Tahlia McGrath as her deputy on the tour.
Currently part of Australia A, Heather Graham will join the Australian ODI squad in England next week. She has been included in the Ireland tour as well.
Australia squad for Ireland tour:
Alyssa Healy (c), Tahlia McGrath (vc), Darcie Brown, Ashleigh Gardner, Kim Garth, Heather Graham, Grace Harris, Jess Jonassen, Alana King, Phoebe Litchfield, Beth Mooney, Ellyse Perry, Annabel Sutherland, Georgia Wareham
This article was first published at WomenCricket.com, a Cricket Times company.
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from June 30, 2023 at 11:30AM Vishwanath Hariharan