Australia's Lauren Cheatle out of Ashes T20Is

Australia have lost fast bowler Lauren Cheatle to a back injury ahead of the pivotal Twenty20 leg of the women's Ashes series.

Needing to win only one of the three remaining T20 matches in order to retain the Ashes, the hosts have been forced to rule out Cheatle while also choosing to omit Tahlia McGrath and Nicole Bolton, who will captain the Governor General's XI against the English tourists ahead of the first T20 on Friday.

Fast bowler Sarah Aley, allrounder Delissa Kimmince and offspinnerMolly Strano are the additions to the Australian squad. Shawn Flegler, the national selector, said the physical toll of the series had played a factor in the changes.

"It's been a long tour for some of the younger players, so the selectors have opted to add some fresh legs to the side, all of which have previous experience at international level," he said. "We have been really pleased with the way Tahlia has played in the series and as she continues to develop her T20 skills we think she will be an important member of the side.

"Lauren has been ruled out with a back injury, she underwent scans yesterday and we are awaiting the results for more detail. It's great to see Delissa back in the side having last played for Australia in 2014. She's a very handy bowler who will also add extra depth to the middle order.

"Molly was impressive with her offspin bowling during Australia's T20 series against New Zealand earlier this year, while Sarah will be hoping to make her T20 debut after being handed her one-day cap during the 50-over World Cup this year. All three have been strong performers in WBBL who we are confident can come into the side and get the job done against England in what is going to be three entertaining T20 matches."