Phoebe Litchfield has a penchant for musical theatre, while on the evidence of social media, fellow rising star Georgia Voll can’t carry a tune.
With Australia needing just one more win to retain the multi-format women’s Ashes and three T20 clashes against England coming in the next week, the hosts’ emerging next generation is eyeing the future with relish. The trophy has already been in Australia’s possession since 2015.
Litchfield will shuffle down the order for Monday’s T20 at the SCG. She has been on the radar since emerging as a teen prodigy who played alongside legends including Shane Warne, Ricky Ponting and Brian Lara while still taking the stage in her high school musicals.
Sydney Thunder teammate Voll joined her at the crease against India in December and plundered a second-game century as she stepped in for injured skipper Alyssa Healy.
Voll’s next chance in national colours could come this week given the series’ six limited-overs fixtures within a fortnight.
Meanwhile, the Queenslander has contributed an admirable, but off-key rendition of “Silent Night” to Cricket Australia’s social media pages that fits with Litchfield’s assessment that “she’ll do dumb things, and you can’t help but laugh”.
Rising star Georgia Voll takes a selfie with fans.Credit: Getty Images
Voll, Litchfield, opening bowler Darcie Brown (all 21), all-rounder Annabel Sutherland (23) and spinner Georgia Wareham (25) shape as eventual linchpins of an Australian side that has dominated women’s cricket for more than a decade.
“When you put the ages to it, we’re definitely part of the next generation, and you want to be part of that,” Litchfield said.
“To see Georgia Wareham, Bellesy [Sutherland] and a group of young, really amazing players stepping up for the team, you can see Australian cricket is in good hands.
“For Volly to come into international cricket, and pretty much just smash it out of the park, I’m really happy for her.
Georgia Voll and Phoebe Litchfield walk out to bat against India.Credit: Getty Images
“I think it’s a credit to Australian domestic cricket, she’s been scoring heaps of runs at that level and then came into [the national side] and it looked effortless for her. It’s a pretty cool sign that Australian domestic cricket isn’t far off the international level.
“I think we are the next generation to take some responsibility once the big dogs have left.”
Australia’s 3-0 sweep of the ODIs against England leaves the tourists needing to do the same in the T20s to keep the Ashes alive going into a day-night Test at the MCG.
Monday’s T20 is Australia’s first since a shock semi-final loss to South Africa at October’s World Cup. A timid 5-134 in the UAE saw Australia miss their first tournament final in 15 years, prompting a recalibration in approaching the game’s shortest format.
“We learnt a lot from that game,” Litchfield said.
“We were pretty bitterly disappointed to be knocked out but that’s where you learn your most as a team. We’ve reflected since then and are keen to come out with a bang and just take the game on.”
