Tayla Vlaeminck, Darcie Brown Return as Australia A Announce Squad for India Tour

Australia fast bowlers Tayla Vlaeminck and Darcie Brown have been named in the Australia A Women's squad for the upcoming multi-format tour of India in September, marking significant returns for both pacers.

Vlaeminck, 27, is set for her long-awaited comeback after being sidelined for nearly two years with a recurring shoulder injury. The speedster has not featured in either international or domestic cricket since sustaining the injury while diving in the field during the 2024 ICC Women's T20 World Cup.

Despite her immense talent, Vlaeminck's career has been repeatedly interrupted by injuries. She has represented Australia in just 29 matches over the past eight years, with Cricket Australia carefully managing her latest rehabilitation. The prolonged absence also resulted in her being left off Cricket Australia's national contract list.

Joining Vlaeminck in the squad is fellow fast bowler Darcie Brown, who also returns after missing Australia's successful Women's T20 World Cup campaign in England. Brown was overlooked for the tournament as team management opted for left-arm seamer Lucy Hamilton alongside a spin-heavy bowling attack better suited to English conditions.

Both pacers have been included for the white-ball leg of the India tour, which comprises three T20 matches in New Chandigarh followed by three One-Day matches in Mohali. However, neither Vlaeminck nor Brown will feature in the four-day fixture scheduled to be played in Dharamshala.

National selector Shawn Flegler welcomed the return of the experienced fast bowlers, highlighting the value they will bring to the emerging squad.

"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.

Australia A has also appointed different captains for each format as part of its leadership development strategy. Nicole Faltum will lead the side in the T20 series, Tahlia Wilson will captain the 50-over team, while Rachel Trenaman has been entrusted with leading the squad in the four-day match.

The tour is expected to provide valuable match experience for Australia's next generation of cricketers while allowing returning players to regain form ahead of future international assignments.

Australia A Women's Squad for India Tour

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.