Tayla Vlaeminck Returns as Australia A Name Squad for India Tour

Australia fast bowler Tayla Vlaeminck is set to return to competitive cricket after being named in the Australia A Women's squad for next month's multi-format tour of India.

The 27-year-old has not played since suffering a recurring shoulder injury during the 2024 ICC Women's T20 World Cup, when she injured herself while diving in the field. Her selection marks an important milestone in a lengthy rehabilitation process and puts her back on the pathway towards senior international cricket.

Fellow fast bowler Darcie Brown has also been included, returning to representative action after missing Australia's triumphant Women's T20 World Cup campaign in England.

Vlaeminck Back After Lengthy Layoff

Vlaeminck's international career has repeatedly been interrupted by injuries, limiting her to 29 appearances for Australia over the past eight years.

Given the length of her recovery, Cricket Australia opted not to award her a central contract while she completed her rehabilitation. Her inclusion in the Australia A squad now represents her first competitive cricket since the shoulder injury forced her out nearly two years ago.

Brown Returns to the National Pathway

Brown will feature in the white-ball leg of the India tour after missing selection for Australia's T20 World Cup-winning squad.

The selectors instead opted for left-arm seamer Lucy Hamilton as part of a spin-heavy bowling attack during the tournament. The Australia A series now provides Brown with an opportunity to regain rhythm and press her case for a return to the senior side.

Multi-Format Series in India

Australia A will play a seven-match tour against India A across three formats during September.

The itinerary includes:

• Three T20 matches in New Chandigarh.
• Three One-Day matches in Mohali.
• One four-day match in Dharamshala.

Both Vlaeminck and Brown have been selected for the T20 and one-day squads but will not feature in the four-day fixture.

Selectors Welcome Return of Experienced Quicks

National selector Shawn Flegler said the return of the two fast bowlers would strengthen a squad that combines established performers with emerging talent."It's great to have Tayla back in the green and gold and to have Darcie back in action. Both bring invaluable international experience to the group, and having them alongside some of our younger players provides a great opportunity for those emerging cricketers to learn from two world-class fast bowlers while continuing their own development," Flegler said.

Leadership Responsibilities Shared

Australia A will rotate the captaincy during the tour as part of its leadership development programme.

• Nicole Faltum will captain the T20 side.
• Tahlia Wilson will lead the one-day squad.
• Rachel Trenaman will captain the four-day team.

The move is designed to provide several players with leadership experience as Australia continue to build depth across their women's programme.

Australia A Women's Squad

Darcie Brown, Maitlan Brown, Nicole Faltum, Tess Flintoff, Sianna Ginger, Charli Knott, Anika Learoyd, Katie Mack, Lilly Mills, Frankie Nicklin, Hayley Silver-Holmes, Rachel Trenaman, Courtney Webb, Tahlia Wilson, and Tayla Vlaeminck.

For Vlaeminck, the India tour represents the first step in her comeback after another frustrating injury setback, while Brown will be aiming to re-establish herself in Australia's pace attack ahead of the next international season.

Catch the match live updates, highlights, and full match coverage on CricRadio. Get fast, accurate, and ad-free updates throughout the game. Download the CricRadio app from the Play Store to stay connected. You can also get the live scores of cricket series directly on the CricRadio website for real-time coverage.