Rene Farrell to replace Sthalekar in Australian squad

Rene Farrell, the New South Wales fast-medium bowler, has been asked to join the Australian squad for the last two ODIs of the five-match Rose Bowl series. She has been brought in as cover after injuries to Lisa Sthalekar and Clea Smith.

Farrell was a member of the Australian women's youth team that toured New Zealand early this year where she impressed with her controlled bowling and hard-hitting batting.

Meanwhile, Australia will be waiting on the fitness of Sthalekar, who injured the little finger on her left hand while fielding in the second ODI. She will be assessed on Saturday morning before the fourth ODI. However, Smith will miss the remainder of the series after injuring her back while bowling.

Farrell will arrive in Darwin late tonight and join the Australian team for training on Friday.

Australia can clinch the five-match Rose Bowl series if they win the fourth ODI on July 28, as they go into the match with a 2-1 lead.