Tahlia McGrath Named Captain as Alyssa Healy Is Ruled Out of Australia’s ODI Series Against India
Seam-bowling all-rounder Tahlia McGrath has been appointed as Australia’s captain for the upcoming ODI series against India, following the injury-related absence of regular skipper Alyssa Healy, who is sidelined due to a knee injury.
In Healy’s absence, batter Georgia Voll has received her maiden call-up to the Australian team. Cricket Australia (CA) stated that Healy is expected to return for the subsequent three-match ODI series against New Zealand, with Voll stepping in for her.
For the series against India, all-rounder Ashleigh Gardner will serve as McGrath’s deputy, while Beth Mooney will take over wicketkeeping duties. Healy had already been ruled out of the remainder of WBBL season 10 due to the knee injury, following a foot injury that ended her participation in the Women’s T20 World Cup in October.
Voll, who has had an outstanding start to the summer, is now in line to open the batting alongside Phoebe Litchfield. The 21-year-old Voll, currently among the top three run-scorers in the WBBL and Women’s National Cricket League, has scored four half-centuries, including notable knocks of 98, 97, and 92.
“We’ve selected an experienced squad for these upcoming tours, with next year’s Ashes and the ICC Women’s World Cup in focus. Georgia Voll has had a strong start to the summer and has shown great potential over the years,” said Shawn Flegler, CA’s Head of Performance (Women’s Cricket) and National Selector. “She’ll form an exciting opening partnership with Phoebe Litchfield, and this will be a great opportunity for her to experience international cricket against a strong India side.”
Flegler added that the decision to rest Healy for the India series was made with a long-term view, ensuring her availability for the Ashes series, with her return for the New Zealand series to be confirmed in the coming weeks.
McGrath, who impressed as a leader during the World Cup, will have strong support from Ashleigh Gardner, who has emerged as a strong leader both on and off the field. “India is an extremely dangerous side, and New Zealand will be full of confidence following their World Cup win, so we’re in for some entertaining cricket across both series,” Flegler noted.
The squad also includes Sophie Molineux and Darcie Brown, both of whom are returning from injury. Molineux, who has been sidelined by knee soreness, and Brown, recovering from a hip strain, are both expected to contribute to the series against India and New Zealand. However, pacer Tayla Vlaeminck will miss the remainder of the home summer following shoulder surgery.
Australia’s ODI squad for the series against India and New Zealand includes: Alyssa Healy (New Zealand series only, subject to fitness), Darcie Brown, Ashleigh Gardner, Kim Garth, Alana King, Phoebe Litchfield, Tahlia McGrath (captain for India series), Sophie Molineux, Beth Mooney, Ellyse Perry, Megan Schutt, Annabel Sutherland, Georgia Voll (India series only), and Georgia Wareham.
