Only two new faces added to Aussie squad for UK tour

SYDNEY - Despite a disappointing end to its World Cup campaign, Australian selectors unveiled just two new faces in its women's cricket squad for this year's tour of England and Ireland.

New South Wales left arm seamer Emma Liddell and Queensland left hand batter Sally Cooper were the only debutants in the 22-strong squad that will be cut to 14 before the UK tour starts in June.

Every member of the Australian side which dramatically lost last year's World Cup final to New Zealand were included in the squad except retired batter Joanne Broadbent.

South Australian speedster Nicole Simon returned to the squad that will contest three Tests against England and three one day games against England and Ireland.

Captain Belinda Clark said although the team featured 11 players with up to 10 years international experience, she did not predict mass retirements following Broadbent's departure.

Broadbent retired after 11 years in the national team.

"We've been moving toward getting younger players in the squad over the last couple of years and I think it will be a slow filtering process rather than chuck the baby out with the bath water," Clark said today.

"Michelle Goszko has had a good season and is probably one that sticks out for me (to fill Broadbent's shoes)."

"She played in the 1997 World Cup final so she's not new to it all."

Players in the UK squad who have been in the side for four to 10 years are Clark, Goszko, Lisa Keightley, Charmaine Mason, Cathryn Fitzpatrick, Olivia Magno, Avril Fahey, Therese McGregor, Zoe Goss, Julia Price and Karen Rolton.

"I am sure there will be a steady turnover over the next few years," Clark said.

"We will be looking at rebuilding to an extent without being stupid about it but some people will get an opportunity to become regular members of the team."

Clark was confident of a clean sweep of the UK tour despite drawing all three Tests against England on its last visit in 1998.

"The English had a pretty young team out for the World Cup but they improved every game they played," she said.

"We obviously will be going out there to win everything. England has already started their major change over in players so it will be interesting."

Australian squad: Cherie Bambury, Avril Fahey, Zoe Goss (WA), Louise Broadfoot, Cathryn Fitzpatrick, Charmaine Mason, Clea Smith (Vic), Tricia Brown, Melissa Bulow, Sally Cooper, Julia Price (Qld), Belinda Clark, Leonie Coleman, Michelle Goszko, Julie Hayes, Lisa Keightley, Emma Liddell, Therese McGregor, Lisa Sthalekar (NSW), Olivia Magno, Karen Rolton, Nicole Simon (SA).