Wareham returns for Australia's T20 World Cup campaign

Legspinner Georgia Wareham has been recalled to Australia's squad for their T20 World Cup title defence in South Africa next month.

The squad will be captained by Meg Lanning who will make her international comeback against Pakistan next week following her break from the game. Alyssa Healy is expected to be fit for the World Cup after suffering a calf strain in India as is Jess Jonassen who returned early with a hamstring injury.

Wareham has recently returned to action for Victoria after more than a year on the sidelines following an ACL injury in October 2021 during the WBBL. She has an outstanding T20I record 36 wickets at 13.52 and an economy of 5.80 from 35 matches.

"Seeing Meg and Georgia back in action for Victoria has been exciting," national selector Shawn Flegler said. "Both bring a wealth of experience to the group, which is always crucial during major tournaments.

"Georgia in particular, has had a tough run of injuries, but she's shown a great deal of resilience and her return is a real boost for the side."

It means that Australia will again have two legpsinners, as they did at last year's ODI World Cup, with Wareham alongside Alana King. Amanda-Jade Wellington has missed out.

Nicola Carey, who was part of the 2020 T20 campaign and the 2022 ODI World Cup, has also been omitted with Heather Graham effectively taking her spot after an impressive performance in India where she claimed seven wickets in three matches including a hat-trick.

Kim Garth, who made her Australia debut in India, has retained her place among the seam bowlers in the squad.

Phoebe Litchfield is the other player omitted from those who were part of last month's India tour.

"Alyssa and Jess [Jonassen] are expected to be fully fit and firing after minor injuries as well, so we've got a full-strength squad with plenty of variety with both bat and ball if required," Flegler said. "Heather and Kim both impressed when given the chance during the India series, and we know they are ready to perform their role if the opportunity presents.

The same squad will be used for the T20I series against Pakistan in late January which will be team's last major preparation for the World Cup.

Australia T20 World Cup squad and vs Pakistan Meg Lanning (capt), Alyssa Healy, Darcie Brown, Ashleigh Gardner, Kim Garth, Heather Graham, Grace Harris, Jess Jonassen, Alana King, Tahlia McGrath, Beth Mooney, Ellyse Perry, Megan Schutt, Annabel Sutherland, Georgia Wareham