Georgia Voll added to Australian squad for tour of New Zealand

An untimely injury to Australian captain Alyssa Healy could provide the launching pad for another brilliant career, with her replacement, Georgia Voll, added to the squad for the upcoming tour of New Zealand after a blistering start to the 21-year-old’s international career against India.

Voll was brought in to open the batting against India after Healy was ruled out of the series with knee and foot injuries that prematurely ended her WBBL season.

She smashed an unbeaten 46 not out on debut to steer Australia to victory in the opening ODI before blasting 101 in just her second game in Brisbane as the hosts secured a 2-0 series win with one game to go and teammate Beth Mooney said Voll had taken to international cricket “like a duck to water”.

Voll wasn’t initially named in the 13-player squad to tour New Zealand, with Healy set to return.

But the rookie batter has now been added to the squad, along with Healy, amid lingering doubts about the captain’s fitness for what is a rapid-fire tour.

Australia will play three one-dayers in Wellington across just five days that could impact Healy’s availability. The captain had made it clear her priority was on being fit for the Ashes showdown with England in January that includes a day-night Test at the MCG.

Voll though made an undeniable claim to keep her spot and earnt high praise from superstar teammate and T20 opener Mooney.

“She is a bit of a breath of fresh air being a country kid. She knows her game pretty well after doing it for a while in domestic cricket, so I think that has really helped her come into international cricket with a bit of confidence in her own game and her own form,” Mooney said ahead of the final ODI at the WACA.

“She has been really impressive. She has certainly done everything she can to make sure she keeps her name up in lights with the Australian selectors.

“These young kids coming in and peeling off hundreds left, right and centre puts a bit of pressure on the rest of us, but it’s a great spot that we’re in, in Australian cricket.”

Australia will look to close out a 3-0 series sweep against India at the WACA in Perth on Wednesday before departing for New Zealand on Sunday.

AUSTRALIAN ODI TOUR OF NEW ZEALAND

First ODI: December 19: Basin Reserve, Wellington, 9am AEDT

Second ODI: December 21: Basin Reserve, Wellington, 9am AEDT

Third ODI: December 23: Basin Reserve, Wellington, 9am AEDT