Nicole Faltum Receives Maiden Australia Call-Up for T20I Series Against New Zealand

Wicketkeeper-batter Nicole Faltum has earned her first call-up to the Australian women's cricket team for the upcoming three-match T20I series against New Zealand. With regular captain Alyssa Healy sidelined due to a foot injury, Tahlia McGrath has been appointed as the stand-in skipper, while Ashleigh Gardner will serve as her deputy.

Australia Introduces a Backup Keeper

With Beth Mooney taking over wicketkeeping duties in the Women’s Ashes, Cricket Australia has opted to include Faltum as a backup option for the New Zealand series. The 25-year-old has been a key performer in the Women’s Big Bash League (WBBL) for eight seasons, playing a crucial role in Melbourne Renegades' WBBL|10 title-winning campaign.

Shawn Flegler, Cricket Australia's Head of Performance (Women's Cricket) and National Selector, expressed excitement about Faltum’s inclusion:

"It's exciting to be able to bring Nicole into the squad. She's been a consistent performer over a long period and will provide a strong backup option to Beth, who will take the gloves during the series."

He further emphasized the importance of grooming future wicketkeepers for the national team:

"While Beth was brilliant during the Ashes in Alyssa's absence, it's important we're continuing to look to the future, and Nicole is certainly someone who we can see wearing the green and gold for a long period."

Alyssa Healy Eyes ODI World Cup Return

Flegler also provided an update on Alyssa Healy’s recovery, confirming that the star wicketkeeper-batter is working hard on her rehabilitation.

"Alyssa is unavailable for this series due to the foot injury she sustained during the Ashes. She's working diligently on her rehab with the aim to have her fit for the one-day World Cup later in the year," he added.

Australia vs New Zealand T20I Series Schedule

The Australia vs New Zealand women's T20I series will commence shortly after the conclusion of the Women’s Premier League (WPL), where several Australian players are currently participating.

  • March 21, 2024 – 1st T20I, Eden Park, Auckland
  • March 23, 2024 – 2nd T20I, Bay Oval, Tauranga
  • March 26, 2024 – 3rd T20I, Sky Stadium, Wellington

Australia’s 14-Member Squad for T20I Series Against New Zealand

  1. Tahlia McGrath (Captain)
  2. Ashleigh Gardner (Vice-Captain)
  3. Darcie Brown
  4. Nicole Faltum
  5. Kim Garth
  6. Grace Harris
  7. Alana King
  8. Phoebe Litchfield
  9. Beth Mooney
  10. Ellyse Perry
  11. Megan Schutt
  12. Annabel Sutherland
  13. Georgia Voll
  14. Georgia Wareham

With a balanced squad and promising talents like Nicole Faltum, Australia aims to maintain its dominance in women's T20 cricket as they take on New Zealand in this exciting three-match series.