Sydney Sixers seamer Lauren Cheatle looks poised to make her long-awaited international return next month, picked in Australia’s 16-player squad for the upcoming multi-format tour of India.
The 25-year-old, who previously represented Australia in four ODIs and seven T20s, has not earned a national call-up since early 2019 due to injury, undergoing four shoulder reconstructions over the past six years.
However, the left-armer could receive a coveted baggy green in the subcontinent this summer, named in the touring party for December’s four-day Test match at Wankhede Stadium.
Every game of the Weber WBBL live and ad-break free during play with Fox Cricket on Kayo Sports. Sign up now!
Cheatle is the equal leading wicket-taker of this summer’s Women’s Big Bash League, taking 19 scalps at 13.68 in ten games for the Sixers. She also represented Australia A during this year’s multi-format tour of England, snaring 11 wickets in five matches.
“Lauren Cheatle has overcome significant injury setbacks and thoroughly deserves her place in the squad through her performances over the past six months,” national selector Shawn Flegler said in a statement.
“Lauren has playing experience in India and provides another fast-bowling option, particularly in regard to the Test match which is the format she has been selected for.
“At this stage, we’re planning for Lauren to return to Australia ahead of the white ball formats to play WNCL.”
In 2015, Cheatle became the youngest player in history to earn a state contract for the New South Wales Breakers. She made her Australian debut less than 12 months later as a 17-year-old, but her stop-start career was repeatedly interrupted by injury setbacks and illness.
The talented bowler was diagnosed with early-stage skin cancer in 2021, leaving her bedridden for almost a month. Last year, Sixers captain Ellyse Perry called her the “unluckiest cricketer” she had come across.
However, speaking to reporters last week, Cheatle confessed she was bowling as well as she has throughout her entire career.
“I just feel a bit more in rhythm, not just stopping and starting every three or four games … and I’m not kind of making silly errors that I may have done in the past,” Cheatle said after Friday evening’s victory over the Hobart Hurricanes at North Sydney Oval.
“I’m ten years into my career, hopefully with many more to come. Having that game experience, or training experience rather than game experience, has come in handy.”
When queried on the potential of a national recall, Cheatle responded: “I think it’s on the back of everyone’s mind. Everyone wants to play international cricket.
“First and foremost, it’s staying on the park for as long as possible and getting as many wins for the Sixers as I can.
“Australian cricket is so strong at the moment, it always has been, but especially now with the talent coming through, and it’s only getting stronger. We’ve got so many kids in this competition who are under 18 and absolutely killing it with pace in the wicket. It’s such an exciting time for Australian cricket.
“If it happens, it happens, but it’s not really at the forefront of my mind.”
Adelaide Strikers seamer Darcie Brown is expected to be available for the multi-format tour of India despite suffering a hamstring injury during last month’s ODI series against the West Indies. The 20-year-old is yet to make an appearance in the WBBL this season, but could feature in the final series if the Strikers qualify.
Meanwhile, Australian wicketkeeper Alyssa Healy has also been named in the squad despite her recent finger injury, sustained during a bloody altercation with her dogs.
“Healy’s finger is healing but remains in a splint and our medical team are continuing to monitor her recovery closely,” Flegler confirmed.
“We’re obviously very hopeful she will be available for the Test, but those decisions are still a while away.”
Cricket Australia has yet to announce a new captain following Meg Lanning’s retirement from international cricket, but a replacement will be revealed ahead of the India tour, which gets underway on December 21.
Speaking to reporters last week, Healy declared she would happily take over as Australian captain if called upon.
“I’ve had a nice little taste of it, and yes, 100 per cent I would put my name up to do it again,” Healy said.
“I feel like I’ve learned a lot about myself, but also probably learned a lot about our group and potentially what we need to do to continue to evolve.
“If it is somebody else, I’ll happily support them in the role as best as I can for the rest of my career.”
Australian women’s squad for India tour
Darcie Brown
Lauren Cheatle (Test only)
Heather Graham
Ashleigh Gardner
Kim Garth
Grace Harris (T20 only)
Alyssa Healy
Jess Jonassen
Alana King
Phoebe Litchfield
Tahlia McGrath
Beth Mooney
Ellyse Perry
Megan Schutt
Annabel Sutherland
Georgia Wareham
Fixtures
21-24 December – Test match at Wankhede Stadium, Mumbai
28 December – First ODI at Wankhede Stadium, Mumbai
30 December – Second ODI at Wankhede Stadium, Mumbai
2 January – Third ODI at Wankhede Stadium, Mumbai
5 January – First T20I at DY Patil Stadium, Navi Mumbai
7 January – Second T20I at DY Patil Stadium, Navi Mumbai
9 January – Third T20I at DY Patil Stadium, Navi Mumbai
