Australia have recently unveiled their squad for the Women’s T20 World Cup 2024, set to be held in the UAE. The announcement has brought considerable attention, especially due to the notable absence of veteran spinner Jess Jonassen from the 15-player roster.
Veteran spinner Jess Jonassen omitted from T20 World Cup squad
Jonassen, a stalwart of the Australian cricket team with 105 T20I appearances to her name, has been left out of the World Cup squad. This marks the first time Jonassen has been omitted from a World Cup squad when she has been available. Her exclusion is particularly surprising given her extensive experience and the tournament’s significance. The decision follows her recent omission from the squad touring Bangladesh earlier this year, with Australia’s spin department now featuring Georgia Wareham, Sophie Molineux, Alana King, and Ashleigh Gardner.
Alyssa Healy provides update on Jonassen’s Future
Australia captain Alyssa Healy expressed strong optimism about Jonassen’s future in international cricket, despite her omission from the T20 World Cup squad. Healy highlighted that Jonassen’s career has seen a dynamic progression, noting that she has experienced periods both in and out of the squad over the past five to six years.
Healy compared Jonassen’s journey to that of Sophie Molineux, indicating a competitive back-and-forth between the two spinners. Healy’s statement underscores her belief that Jonassen’s exclusion from the World Cup squad does not close the door on her future opportunities with the team. Instead, she suggests that Jonassen’s career path remains open, and there remains a chance for her to rejoin the squad in upcoming fixtures.
“Hundred per cent, the path’s still there, the door is still wide open. You look at her career and how it’s progressed, particularly over the past five or six years, she’s been in the squad, out of the squad, her and Sophie Molineux have sort of [gone] tit-for-tat along the way,” said Australia captain Alyssa Healy as quoted by ESPNcricinfo.
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Healy expresses her disappointment
In a more personal reflection, Healy shared her disappointment regarding Jonassen’s exclusion from the World Cup squad. Having played extensively with Jonassen, Healy is well-acquainted with her ability to perform under pressure and contribute significantly to the team in crucial moments. Healy’s statement reveals her belief in Jonassen’s potential and her value to the Australian team. She remains confident that Jonassen will continue to be a key player for Australia, noting that injuries and other variables could present opportunities for her to return. Healy’s comments convey a sense of hope and assurance that Jonassen will remain a vital part of the squad’s plans moving forward, despite her current absence.
“I’m disappointed for Jono myself. I have played a lot of cricket with her over the years and know exactly what she can contribute to the Australian team in big tournaments and how clutch she can be. I still see a big future for her in the Aussie side, there’s always a niggle or whatnot around [during] the summer, and she’ll still be around this summer no doubt,” she added.
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This article was first published at WomenCricket.com, a Cricket Times company.