Australia opts for leg-spinner Wellington in Women’s Ashes Test
The uncapped Amanda-Jade Wellington has unseated the experienced Kristen Beams as Australia's preferred leg-spinner for this week's Women's Ashes Test against England.
The hosts have cut Beams and fast bowler Belinda Vakarewa to reduce their squad to 13 for the day-night match at North Sydney Oval starting on Thursday.
A mainstay for the past few years, Beams played the second of three one-day matches against England last month, taking 2-38 after being picked to replace concussed off-spinner Ashleigh Gardner.
The 33-year-old led Australia for wickets at this year's World Cup and played the last Ashes Test in 2015.
But she has fallen out of favour, opening the door for Wellington despite the 20-year-old taking just one wicket from three one-day internationals against England.
"Kristen was unlucky to miss out on selection, with the panel opting to go with just the one leg-spinner in the side," national selector Shawn Flegler said in a statement.
Flegler said focus was placed on boosting the side's capability to take 20 wickets.
That is despite neither Wellington nor Gardner having played Test cricket.
Australia can take an unassailable series lead by winning the match, sitting 4-2 ahead in the multi-format Ashes, decided via a points system.
It beat England in the opening two one-day internationals last month but the tourists won the third fixture in Coffs Harbour.
The day-night Test precedes three Twenty20 matches from November 17.
Australia squad: Rachael Haynes (c), Alex Blackwell, Nicole Bolton, Lauren Cheatle, Ashleigh Gardner, Alyssa Healy, Jess Jonassen, Tahlia McGrath, Beth Mooney, Ellyse Perry, Megan Schutt, Elyse Villani, Amanda-Jade Wellington
AAP
