Ian Healy's niece wins Australia Under-23 call-up

Alyssa Healy, the niece of the former wicketkeeper Ian Healy, has been chosen in the 13-woman Australia Under-23 squad to tour New Zealand next month. Healy impressed the three selectors with her performances at the national under-17 and under-19 championships and is in line to face New Zealand A in three matches.

Healy, a right-hand batter and keeper, was the leading run-scorer at the under-19 tournament with 345 at 57.50 and she shared the under 17 player of the championship prize with Delissa Kimmince, who also made the touring squad. Kimmince, a right-arm medium bowler, played all eight Women's National Cricket League games in her debut season for Queensland Fire and captured nine wickets at 18.

Healy is one of only three players in the Shooting Stars squad who does not have experience in the WNCL. However, Elysse Perry, an allrounder, was also outstanding at the under-19 tournament, with 175 runs and seven wickets, while Kate Owen, 21, made a mark by being the leading scorer at Cricket Australia's Women's Cup.

The squad, which is captained by Sarah Aley, will play three matches against New Zealand A from February 13 to 16 at Lincoln University.

Shooting Stars squad Sarah Aley (capt), Nicole Bolton, Renee Chappell, Rene Farrell, Rachael Haynes, Alyssa Healy, Emma Inglis, Delissa Kimmince, Kate Owen, Elysse Perry, Rikki-Lee Rimmington, Emma Sampson, Lauren Shave, Brian McFadyen (coach).