Hobart: Boundless teenage pacer Lucy Hamilton is closing in on a possible international debut after being named in contention for the third and final ODI of the series against India, with the Australia women’s cricket team dealing with a growing list of injuries.
Australia currently hold a 6-4 lead in the points-based multi-format contest following a commanding victory at Bellerive Oval on Friday. A complete clean-up of the ODI leg in Hobart would ensure they retain the series trophy ahead of the next day-night Test in Perth.
Left-arm quick Hamilton, brought into the squad after injuries to Kim Garth and Ellyse Perry, has been increasing her workload in preparation for the longer format and was seen undertaking extended spells in the nets during Friday’s match. His inclusion has accelerated his exposure to the national set-up, and the selectors are closely monitoring his preparation.
Australian coach Shawn Flegler confirmed Hamilton was firmly in the mix for Sunday’s clash. “That’s one of the opportunities for us. We’ll see how things go today (in the second ODI)…hopefully we’ll get another win, and that will give us a chance to take a look at Luce possibly in the third game,” cricket.com.au quoted Flegler as saying.
“Lucy has arrived for the ODIs and that is an opportunity for her to be in the team a little earlier than originally planned. We will see how it goes today, and maybe there will be an opportunity for her on Sunday as well. We are looking forward to seeing what she can do within this Australian team, I think she has a great feature ahead of her,” he added.
With the same surface expected to be used again, conditions could increasingly favor spin, potentially opening the door for Georgia Wareham to return to the XI. The hosts have already been forced to reorganize their attack, with Nicola Carey stepping in after Sophie Molineux was ruled out for the rest of the series due to a back injury. Carey marked his ODI return with a wicket but it proved costly, conceding 55 runs in eight overs.
The team management may also consider rotating key fast bowlers, including Darcie Brown, who has featured in all the matches so far, to manage the workload ahead of the Test.
“The wicket has played really well so far, maybe it stays a little lower on Sunday if we play on the same wicket, it might turn a little more. We’ve also got Georgia Wareham struggling to get a crack too…we’ve got a couple of options there,” Flegler said.
Australia are expected to further strengthen their squad ahead of the pink ball Test at the WACA Ground, with injuries continuing to influence selection decisions.
“We’ll figure this out over the next 24 to 48 hours, but we’ll certainly have to bring someone in,” Flegler added.
The team is scheduled to travel to Perth on Monday, allowing a short period to recover and recalibrate as they aim to close the series strongly while also preparing for the demands of the four-day competition.
(IANOS)
