Bowlers Kristen Beams and Lauren Cheatle have lost their contracts as Australia focus their efforts on the Women's World T20 in November. Another contributing factor was recent performances, which helped Sophie Molineux, Delissa Kimmince and Nicola Carey have make their way into the 14-player list for the first time. All three players were part of Australia's tour of India where they beat the hosts 3-0 in the ODIs and beat England in the final of the T20I tri-series that followed.
"The National Selection Panel had a firm focus on the World T20 in the West Indies later this year when selecting the contract list, with players rewarded for world-class performances," national selector Shawn Flegler said.
"The elevation of Nicola Carey, Delissa Kimmince and Sophie Molineux is an indication of how they are viewed by the NSP, having all impressed during Australia's recent tour of India and domestically across the summer."
Allrounders Molineux and Carey earned their caps during the recent India tour, while 28-year old Kimmince made her international debut in 2008 against New Zealand.
"Sophie is a Victorian product of the female pathway and the NSP believes she is a long-term player for Australia and provides another spin bowling option with the ability to bat in several positions."
"Delissa and Nicola have similar all-round roles within the team and have both performed well when given the opportunity. They have both been on the cusp of selection for a while and it is good to see them rewarded with a contract.
Flegler insisted that it wasn't the end of the road for the out-of-contract players. "Several players, including Kristen Beams and Lauren Cheatle from last year's contract list have missed out but they will still be considered to play for Australia with strong performances.
"Lauren has had to overcome various injuries over the last couple of years, which has hampered her ability to perform at her best," Flegler said. "She has been selected in the women's NPS alongside a number of exciting young fast bowlers and there's no doubt her best is yet to come."
CA has also named a 13-player National Performance Squad, which includes a number of youngsters, who will be training under High Performance coach Leah Poulton at the Bupa National Cricket Centre.
Women's National Performance Squad 2018: Lauren Cheatle, Piepa Cleary, Josephine Dooley, Erin Fazackerley, Heather Graham, Saskia Horley, Belinda Vakarewa, Tayla Vlaeminck, Georgia Wareham, Tahlia McGrath, Maitlan Brown, Annabel Sutherland*, Rachel Trenaman*.
*Denotes part-time scholars.
