NSW Women’s selection panel have picked a powerful 13-player squad for Sunday’s Women’s National Cricket League final against Queensland at Allan Border Field in Brisbane.
The Breakers squad sees just one change to the group that defeated the ACT Meteors twice last week to force their way into the decider, with Lauren Kua replaced by wicketkeeper/batter Kate Pelle.
Caoimhe Bray was unavailable for selection after being diagnosed with a stress fracture in her back that will require some time on the sidelines. Veterans Erin Burns and Alyssa Healy were also not considered, while superstars Ash Gardner and Phoebe Litchfield are playing in the Women’s Premier League in India.
NSW finished the season second on the ladder behind the Queensland Fire outfit but go into the final knowing they beat Sunday’s opponents twice in three days at AB Field in their opening two fixtures of the season.
The Breakers also go into the final with a rich history in the competition, having won the WNCL a record 20 times from 28 attempts since the tournament’s inception in 1996/97.
Cricket NSW’s Head of Female Elite Cricket, Leah Poulton, said the group were primed and ready to go after 12 months of hard work and progress.
“We are really excited to be back in the WNCL final and that’s down to the hard work of all of our players, coaches and support staff,” Poulton said.
“We finished sixth two seasons ago and fifth last summer but under the leadership of Gavan Twining before he left for the Australian team set up, Grant Lambert and Georgia Adams, everyone has challenged themselves to get better every day.
“It’s important to also recognise the players that won’t be on the field on Sunday. They have all played a significant part in getting us to the final.
“It’s a shame that Caoimhe has been ruled out with a stress fracture, but she is in good hands and focussed on her rehabilitation over the next few months. It’s the end of her first professional season and she has a long and exciting career ahead of her.”
The match gets underway at 2.35pm AEDT and can be seen live on Foxtel, Kayo and cricket.com.au.
WNCL: NSW Breakers vs Queensland – 2.35pm (AEDT) on Sunday (2/3) at Allan Border Field: Georgia Adams ©, Sam Bates, Maitlan Brown, Lauren Cheatle (vc), Sarah Coyte, Hannah Darlington, Elsa Hunter, Sammy-Jo Johnson, Anika Learoyd, Claire Moore, Frankie Nicklin, Kate Pelle, Tahlia Wilson