Australia Announces Squad for ICC Women’s T20 World Cup, Surprising Omission of Darcie Brown
Australia's T20 World Cup Squad Revealed
Melbourne [Australia], May 13: In a significant decision, Australia has excluded pacer Darcie Brown from their lineup for the upcoming ICC Women’s T20 World Cup set to take place in England.
Brown, who has taken 34 wickets in 41 T20I matches with an average of 25.20, has been a part of the Australian team in the last two editions of the tournament. However, selectors have chosen to include the less experienced left-arm bowler Lucy Hamilton, who has only played one T20I and four international matches overall, according to ICC reports.
The selection of Hamilton over Brown stands out as the only major surprise in the squad, with left-arm spinner Sophie Molineux expected to captain the team despite facing some injury issues recently.
Hamilton previously captained Australia in the ICC U19 Women’s T20 World Cup last year and has since made her debut in all formats since March 2026 during the West Indies tour and the home series against India.
The six-time champions boast experienced players like Ellyse Perry, Beth Mooney, Ash Gardner, Tahlia McGrath, and Megan Schutt in their squad.
Additionally, two promising newcomers, Phoebe Litchfield, who participated in the last tournament, and Georgia Voll, who is set to make her debut, are exciting additions. Voll has amassed 474 runs in 12 innings at a strike rate exceeding 156, including a century and three fifties, playing a vital role in Royal Challengers Bengaluru’s (RCB) recent Women’s Premier League (WPL) title victory.
Perry, who has been part of every tournament since 2009, is on the brink of becoming the first player to participate in 50 Women’s T20 World Cup matches.
Nicola Carey, who recently returned to Australia’s T20I squad and was part of the victorious 2020 team, also secures her place. The 32-year-old had a strong WPL season with Mumbai Indians (MI), scoring 149 runs in six innings at a strike rate of nearly 142 and taking seven wickets.
All-rounder Tahlia Wilson will serve as a travelling reserve.
Australia is placed in Group 1 of the T20 World Cup, competing against South Africa, India, Pakistan, Bangladesh, and the Netherlands.
In their opening match, Australia will face South Africa on June 13 at Old Trafford in Manchester.
Australia's squad includes: Sophie Molineux (c), Nicola Carey, Ash Gardner, Kim Garth, Lucy Hamilton, Grace Harris, Alana King, Phoebe Litchfield, Tahlia McGrath, Beth Mooney, Ellyse Perry, Megan Schutt, Annabel Sutherland, Georgia Voll, Georgia Wareham. Travelling reserve: Tahlia Wilson.
Upcoming fixtures for Australia in the T20 World Cup group stage:
vs South Africa: June 13, Manchester, 2:30 PM
vs Bangladesh: June 17, Headingley, 10:30 AM
vs Netherlands: June 20, Hampshire Bowl, 10:30 AM
vs Pakistan: June 23, Headingley, 6:30 PM
vs India: June 28, Lord’s, 2:30 PM.