Fit-again Grace Harris returns for Sri Lanka tour

Allrounder Grace Harris has returned to the Australia Women's squad, for the limited-overs series in Sri Lanka, after recovering from deep vein thrombosis. Harris last played competitive cricket in early March this year, not making it to the Women's World T20 in India in March-April.

Opening batsman Nicole Bolton, who was also not part of the World T20 but was a part of Australia's previous ODI series, against New Zealand in February, also makes it to the squad. Apart from Bolton and Harris, all the 12 other members of the squad for Sri Lanka featured in the World T20, which was Australia's last international assignment.

"We believe this group contains a good mix of youth and experience that will give us the best chance of succeeding in Sri Lanka," national selector Shawn Fleger said. "We've got a number of options covered with our bowling attack as well as several batters who can produce the attacking game-style we want to play.

"The players have had a solid preseason with a number of camps held at the Bupa National Cricket Centre in Brisbane. Grace Harris, Beth Mooney and Holly Ferling all have recent experience in Sri Lankan conditions, having toured the country with the Commonwealth Bank Shooting Stars squad last year."

Lauren Cheatle, who made her international debut at the age of just 17 in January this year, will miss out as she aims to complete her final year of high school. Also not part of the squad is Sarah Coyte, who has opted not to take up her contract for the 2016-17 season.

This will be Australia's first bilateral tour of Sri Lanka. The team will fly out on September 12 and warm up with a practice match in Colombo on September 15. They will then play four ODIs, followed by a one-off T20I. The first three ODIs will also have Women's Championship points up for grabs. Australia currently sit on top of that table, and the top four teams at the end of the year will gain automatic entry into the Women's World Cup in England next year.