Ainsworth returns for ACT Contests

Western Australia have finalised their 14-player squad for their Women's National Cricket League fixtures against Australian Capital Territory on Friday 7 and Sunday 9 February at EPC Solar Park.

Teenage quick Chloe Ainsworth makes a welcome return to the squad, after missing the matches against Victoria due to the ICC Under 19 World Cup in Malaysia.

Ainsworth played all five of Australia’s matches in the tournament, before they were knocked out at the semifinal stage.

The 19-year-old’s return will give WA’s bowling attack a significant boost after starring with five wickets 17.80 in her only two WNCL appearances this summer. 

English seamer Emily Arlott is in the mix to make her WNCL debut, added to the squad following a productive season for South Perth in WA Premier Cricket.

The 26-year-old brings a wealth of experience to the lineup, having played County Championship cricket for Worcestershire and for the Birmingham Phoenix in The Hundred.

Fellow Englishwoman Naomi Dattani has been omitted, with only one overseas player eligible to be selected in the travelling squad.

Meanwhile, experienced bowler Taneale Peschel remains unavailable for selection due to a minor right quad complaint. She is expected to be available for WA’s final set of matches against South Australia on 19 and 21 February. 

WA will be hoping to return to the winners list following back-to-back final-over defeats against Victoria at CitiPower Centre last week.

WA currently sit seventh on the competition ladder with four games remaining.

The matches will be broadcast on Kayo and Cricket.com.au with the first ball scheduled for 7:00AM WST.

WA squad for Women’s National Cricket League Games Nine and 10: Chloe Piparo ©, Chloe Ainsworth, Emily Arlott, Charis Bekker, Zoe Britcliffe, Mathilda Carmichael, Maddy Darke, Bhavi Devchand, Amy Edgar, Mikayla Hinkley, Shay Manolini, Rebecca McGrath, Lilly Mills, Maddie White