Ellyse Perry's return to the Australian squad was the main talking point when the selectors announced an 18-member squad for the women's ODI and T20I series versus New Zealand this Friday (August 21).
The star all-rounder had been on a recovery trail ever since missing out on the T20 World Cup semi-final and final earlier this year due to a hamstring injury, for which she underwent surgery in March.
National Selector Shawn Flegler, however, said Perry's fitness will continue to be assessed and her participation in the on-field action will then be decided upon.
"Ellyse is progressing well from a significant hamstring injury and we want to give her every chance to be available for selection, so we’ll continue to monitor her progress over the coming weeks," said Flegler in a media release.
Further, the selection panel has handed Maitlan Brown her maiden call-up to the limited-overs side. Fast bowler Maitlan plays domestically for Australian Capital Territory and for Melbourne Renegades in the Women's Big Bash League (WBBL).
Apart from her, pace-bowling all-rounder Tahlia McGrath and speedster Belinda Vakarewa also join the 15 who came out triumphant at the T20 World Cup at home.
Fast bowler Tayla Vlaeminck, though, continues to miss out on selection due to the foot injury she suffered.
"Tayla has had a slight setback in her return from the foot injury she suffered ahead of the T20 World Cup which means she'll miss this series as well as this season's rebel WBBL tournament," said Flegler.
"Our initial plans were to get her back for the 50-over World Cup in New Zealand but now that's been postponed we'll take a conservative approach with her and give her as much time as she needs to get her body right without the pressure of a time frame."
The T20Is are scheduled to be played on September 27, 29 and October 1, followed by the ODIs on October 5, 7 and 10, respectively.
In a statement, Cricket Australia (CA) said, "The schedule for the series has matches in both New South Wales and Queensland but given the current COVID situation changes may be required. Cricket Australia will continue to work with relevant authorities and advise any changes."
Flegler added, "We've selected a slightly larger squad than usual because of a number of COVID-related considerations and, with no matches leading in, players have been picked on performances both for Australia and Australia A over the last 12-to-24 months."
Australia squad: Meg Lanning (capt), Rachael Haynes (vice capt), Maitlan Brown, Erin Burns, Nicola Carey, Ashleigh Gardner, Alyssa Healy, Jess Jonassen, Delissa Kimmince, Tahlia McGrath, Sophie Molineux, Beth Mooney, Ellyse Perry (subject to fitness), Megan Schutt, Molly Strano, Annabel Sutherland, Georgia Wareham, Belinda Vakarewa.
