Thunder trio named in Governor-General's XI for England showdown
Three Sydney Thunder players have been named by the Cricket Australia National Selection Panel, in conjunction with the Governor-General, Her Excellency the Honourable Sam Mostyn AC, in a 14-player squad to face England in a 50-over match on January 9 at North Sydney Oval.
Newly minted Australian representative Georgia Voll will be joined by fellow Thunder stars Anika Learoyd and Tahlia Wilson.
The side will be led by Victorian, Nicole Faltum, and features Leading Aircraftwoman Samantha Quadrio alongside Australian players Alyssa Healy, Darcie Brown, Heather Graham and Voll.
Former Australian player and current assistant coach of South Australia’s women’s team and the Adelaide Strikers’ Weber WBBL side, Nicole Bolton, will coach the team with the assistance of Clive Rose and Gavan Twining.
The GG's XI match is a free, non-ticketed event and will be broadcast live on Foxtel and Kayo Sports.
CA’s Head of Performance (Women’s Cricket) and National Selector, Shawn Flegler said:
“We’re really looking forward to this fixture, it’s always a special occasion on the calendar and it’s a great chance for our brightest young stars to face a strong England side ahead of what will be a fiercely fought Ashes Series.
“The players selected have impressed throughout the summer across a variety of competitions and we’re looking forward to seeing what they can do against a world-class opponent.
“The match also gives a number of Australian contract players the chance to gain valuable time out in the middle ahead of the Ashes, in particular Alyssa Healy who is making a gradual return from a knee injury.
“The match will be made even more special this year, with the Governor-General, Her Excellency the Honourable Ms Sam Mostyn AC, becoming the first woman Governor-General to lead an XI.
“We thank the Governor-General for her support of this fixture and looking forward to what will be a great occasion.”
Governor-General’s XI squad
Nicole Faltum (VIC/Dandenong CC) – captain
Charli Knott (QLD/University of Queensland CC) – vice-captain
Darcie Brown (SA/Northern Districts CC)
Sophie Day (VIC/Prahan CC)
Tess Flintoff (VIC/Ringwood CC)
Heather Graham (TAS/Clarence CC)
Alyssa Healy (NSW/Sydney CC)
Milly Illingworth (VIC/Essendon Maribyrnong Park CC)
Anika Learoyd (NSW/Northern Districts CC)
Rhys McKenna (TAS/Prahan CC)
Leading Aircraftwoman Samantha Quadrio – Australian Defence Force
Amy Smith (TAS/New Town CC)
Georgia Voll (QLD/Sandgate-Redcliffe CC)
Tahlia Wilson (NSW/St George-Sutherland CC)
GG’s XI v England
50-over match
Thursday, January 9, 2025 | 10:05am start
North Sydney Oval, Sydney
Broadcast: Foxtel & Kayo Sports
