Women's Australian squad for England tour announced

The Commonwealth Bank Southern Stars squad, which will play two Test matches, three one-day internationals in England before heading to Ireland for a further three one day internationals, is:

Belinda Clark (Captain) - NSW
Karen Rolton (Vice-captain) - SA
Louise Broadfoot - VIC
Sally Cooper - QLD
Avril Fahey - WA
Cathryn Fitzpatrick - VIC
Michelle Goszko - NSW
Julie Hayes - NSW
Lisa Keightley - NSW
Olivia Magno - SA
Therese McGregor - NSW
Charmaine Mason - VIC
Julia Price - QLD
Lisa Sthalekar - NSW

Team Management
Sally Bailey (Physical Conditioning Co-ordinator)
Stephen Jenkin (Coach)
Christina Matthews (Assistant Coach)
Lisa Ross (Physiotherapist)
Janine Stainer (Manager)

Commenting on the squad chosen, Head Coach Stephen Jenkin said: "After selecting two new players for the 1999 World Cup, the selectors have maintained a rebuilding policy by introducing three new faces to the Australian team for England.

"Our aim will obviously be to win both the Test and one-day international series, and I believe this team is a balanced group that will provide us with several options over the course of the tour," Jenkin said.

Batter, Sally Cooper of Queensland has been selected in the national squad for the first time.

On hearing the news of her selection Cooper commented: " I'm just thrilled at being selected in the Australian team. It is not something I really expected but I'm aiming to make the most of the opportunity."

New South Wales middle-order batter and off-spin bowler Lisa Sthalekar will also make her Australian debut on tour. Sthalekar said: "My selection is a dream come true. I am looking forward to using the experience to learn as much as I can whilst on tour and I hope to contribute to a successful team result."

Top-order batter Michelle Goszko from New South Wales will return to the Australian team after a three-year absence. Goszko said her selection had been a long-term goal.

" I'm excited about getting another opportunity to play for Australia and will work hard over the next four weeks to ensure I can cement a spot in the team," Goszko said.

The Australian women's squad departs for England on 14 of June 2001.

ITINERARY

England

Mon 18 June	Australia v MCC Invitation XI	Southgate
Tue 19 June	Australia v ECB Development XI	Southgate
Thu 21 June	Australia v ECB Development XI	Radlett
Sun 24 - Wed 27 June	Four-day Test match Australia v England	Shenley
Fri 29 June	ODI Australia v England	Derby
Mon 2 July	ODI Australia v England	Northampton
Tue 3 July	ODI Australia v England	Lords
Fri 6 - Mon 9 July	Four-day Test match Australia v England	Headingley

Ireland

Wed 11 July	Youth cricket clinic	Clontarff
Thu 12 July	Australia v Ireland	Leinster
Sat 14 July	Australia v Ireland	Trinity College
Sat 15 July	Australia v Ireland	Trinity College