ICC Women’s World Cup 2017: India v Australia Semi Final – Australia’s Predicted XI
Jul 18, 2017 at 2:07 PM
The defending champions are all set to face a rejuvenated Indian side in the semi-final of Women’s World Cup 2017 at Derby.
In the group stage, Southern Stars got the better of the best Asian team in the tournament. Riding on brilliant fifties from the captain Meg Lanning and all-rounder Ellyse Perry, the team from down under secured an easy eight-wicket win.
Team India gathered themselves after defeats against South Africa and Australia, in two consecutive matches, and managed to secure a place in the semi-final beating New Zealand by 186 runs.
Australia will look to carry on their dominance in the World Cup, as they take on India on Thursday at Derby.
Here’s a look at Australia’s playing XI for the big game:
Meg Lanning (Captain)
The skipper of Australian cricket team is in red hot form in this World Cup and will be looking to continue it against India. In the group stage, she scored a brilliant unbeaten 76 which helped the side secure a comfortable win over India.
Nicole Bolton
The 28-years-old left handed opening batter has given a good start to the team so far in the tournament and will be looking to do the same in the all-important semi final.
Beth Mooney
The opening batter has scored 231 runs in seven matches so far with two half centuries at an average of 33. She will be the key player at the top for Southern stars.
Ellyse Perry
The all-rounder from Sydney has been terrific throughout the whole World Cup, with the ball and with the bat, she has been a vital part of the team’s victory. Ellyse Perry will be one of the most important members in a crucial game for the Australian side.
Elyse Villani
Elyse Villani has not had much of a success in the ongoing World Cup but she can handle the middle order with the bat and also can be a decent bowler, as the team management will be looking to consider her experience over the recent flop show from the 27-years-old.
Alex Blackwell
Alex Blackwell has managed 113 runs at an impressive average of 37.66 in the tournament so far, although, the all-rounder has not been asked to bowl; she can be a handy bowler in the middle overs.
Alyssa Healy
The wicket-keeper from Queensland has done most of the work from behind the stumps in this world cup, as she got the chance to bat only four times out of the seven matches. Healy has scored a fifty and with an average of 46.50 managed to register 93 runs.
Ashleigh Gardener
The off-spinner has had an average tournament so far; managing only seven wickets in the same amount of games. She has been economical so far and this might give her the nod in the semi-final.
Megan Schutt
Megan Schutt has turned out to be the strike bowler for Australia in this World Cup. She has provided the team with the much-needed break-throughs at crucial stages of the match. She can be the x-factor for Australia against India.
Jess Jonassen
With nine wickets in her six appearances, the slow left-arm orthodox from Queensland has left her charm on the tournament. She can be a handy bowler considering her economy rate which is 3.61 in this World Cup.
Kristen Beams
The leg spinner has turned out to be the most successful bowler for Australia in the ongoing World Cup. She has picked up 11 wickets in just six matches and is third on the list of players with the most number of wickets.