Australia announces 14-player squad to India next month

Emma Sampson © Getty Images

Australia's National Selection Panel today announced a 14-player Commonwealth Bank Southern Stars squad for the four nation one-day international tournament in India next month

The squad is:

Melissa Bulow, Leah Poulton, Karen Rolton (capt), Lisa Sthalekar, Alex Blackwell, Kate Blackwell, Jodie Purves (wk), Sarah Edwards, Cathryn Fitzpatrick, Shelley Nitschke, Emma Sampson, Kirsten Pike, Sarah Andrews, Clea Smith.

Two changes to the squad that successfully defended the Rose Bowl trophy against New Zealand in October last year sees Alex Blackwell and Emma Sampson come in for Michelle Goszko and Julie Hayes.

Blackwell returns from injury and after a solid 2006-07 domestic season for New South Wales (137 runs at an average of 34.35) while the uncapped Sampson has been called into the Australian team for the first time.

The 21-year-old medium pace bowler took 10 wickets in eight games for South Australia this season at an average of 24.10.

"I was very excited to get the call from the selectors and I'm really looking forward to the opportunity to play for Australia," said Sampson.

Originally selected in the Commonwealth Bank Shooting Stars team to play New Zealand in February, Sampson's elevation into the senior squad paves the way for Victorian leg-spinner Jessica Cameron, 17, to join the Shooting Stars squad.

Australia will take on hosts India, England and New Zealand in the four nation tournament in Chennai beginning with its first match on 21 February.