Australia and New Zealand have begun their Under-19 Women’s T20 World Cup campaigns, but they have already run into problems after being forced to make changes to their team owing to injuries.
New Zealand and Australia have had contrasting starts to their Under-19 Women’s T20 World Cup campaigns, with the former cruising to victory after a stunning performance against minnows Indonesia, while Australia, one of the tournament favourites, suffered a shock defeat against a spirited Bangladesh side.
New Zealand has suffered a significant setback with the loss of left-arm spinner Fran Jones. Jones is a seasoned campaigner who has represented his country at the senior level. She has played 23 ODIs and T20Is for the senior side, however she has been ruled out of the U19 competition owing to a calf injury, with Kate Irwin nominated as a substitute. Irwin had a strong showing in the National Tournament last year, finishing as the joint-highest wicket taker with 15 wickets.
Meanwhile, Australia has lost Chloe Ainsworth and Jade Allen to thumb fractures, with substitutes Ananaya Sharma and Paris Hall selected. Paris, a wicketkeeper-batter, signed her first Women’s National Cricket League contract with South Australia last year and was selected a non-traveling reserve for the current competition. Meanwhile, Anananya, the U19 Female National Championships’ best wicket-taker, has been selected a non-travelling reserve.
