Commonwealth Bank Southern Stars squad chosen for United Kingdom tour Women's Cricket Australia - 15 May 2001

Women's Cricket Australia (WCA) today announced a squad of 14 players for the upcoming tour of the United Kingdom, beginning on 18 June 2001.

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 June 2001. © 2001 Women's Cricket Australia