CA announce 2018-19 women's contract list

A trio of new faces are among Australia's 14 contracted women for the 2018-19 season as the national side fixes its focus firmly on success in the World Twenty20 tournament in the Caribbean in November. 

A 13-player National Performance Squad has also been selected. 

Nicola Carey, Delissa Kimmince and Sophie Molineux – all of whom were on Australia's recent limited-overs tour of India – have earned themselves contracts, while leg-spinner Kristen Beams and talented NSW youngster Lauren Cheatle are the notable absentees, alongside the retired Alex Blackwell. 

Contracts have been awarded based on performances across the last 12 months, with a number of players entering the national set-up for the first time.

2018-19 CA Women's Contract List: Nicole Bolton (WA, 29), Nicola Carey (NSW, 24), Ashleigh Gardner (SA, 20), Rachael Haynes (NSW, 31), Alyssa Healy (NSW, 28), Jessica Jonassen (QLD, 25), Delissa Kimmince (QLD, 28), Meg Lanning (VIC, 26), Sophie Molineux (VIC, 20), Beth Mooney (QLD, 24), Ellyse Perry (NSW, 27), Megan Schutt (SA, 25), Elyse Villani (WA, 28), Amanda-Jade Wellington (SA, 20). 

"The National Selection Panel had a firm focus on the World T20 in the West Indies later this year when selecting the contract list, with players rewarded for world class performances," said national selector Shawn Flegler. 

"The elevation of Nicola Carey, Delissa Kimmince and Sophie Molineux is an indication of how they are viewed by the NSP, having all impressed during Australia's recent tour of India and domestically across the summer.

"Sophie is a Victorian product of the female pathway and the NSP believes she is a long-term player for Australia and provides another spin bowling option with the ability to bat in several positions.”

"Delissa and Nicola have similar all-round roles within the team and have both performed well when given the opportunity. They have both been on the cusp of selection for a while and it is good to see them rewarded with a contract.

"Several players, including Kristen Beams and Lauren Cheatle from last year's contract list have missed out but they will still be considered to play for Australia with strong performances.

"Lauren has had to overcome various injuries over the last couple of years, which has hampered her ability to perform at her best. She has been selected in the women's NPS alongside a number of exciting young fast bowlers and there's no doubt her best is yet to come.”

The Australian team returned to the top of the ICC rankings last month, having overcome India in a three-match one-day international series before defeating England in the final of the T20 tri-series which also featured India.

Australian players continue to feature in the individual player rankings. Ellyse Perry is the number one ranked ODI batter and allrounder, while Jess Jonassen and Megan Schutt sit atop the ODI and T20 bowling rankings respectively.

CA has also confirmed the 13 players included in the 2018 Women's National Performance Squad, with a host of exciting young cricketers set to spend precious time at the Bupa National Cricket Centre under the watchful eye of High Performance Coach Leah Poulton.

2018 Women's National Performance Squad: Lauren Cheatle (NSW, 19), Piepa Cleary (WA, 21), Josephine Dooley (QLD, 18), Erin Fazackerley (TAS, 19), Heather Graham (WA, 21), Saskia Horley (NSW, 18), Belinda Vakarewa (NSW, 20), Tayla Vlaeminck (VIC, 19), Georgia Wareham (VIC, 18), Tahlia McGrath (SA, 22), Maitlan Brown (ACT, 20), Annabel Sutherland (VIC, 16)*, Rachel Trenaman (NSW, 16)*.

*Denotes part-time scholars.