“[Kim has] been in our thinking, she’s had a couple of strong seasons with the ball and adds extra depth to our pace-bowling stocks,” national selector Shawn Flegler said. “She’s a new-ball option but has a great change of pace as well.”
“It’s one of the most exciting names in the squad,” Healy said. “She made the move to Australia to try and do just this, play for Australia. The way she has developed over the years is impressive. Her new-ball skills with T20 cricket is what we need and she also has variations through the middle that are very handy. She’s a great addition. Everyone is very excited for her. It’s a big move to come all the way for Ireland to chase a dream, and she’s done that. I am sure she is going to look at home in the green and gold and hopefully she can have a great career.”
“Without Meg and Rachael [Haynes], this series will provide opportunities for players, particularly in the top order, so we’re looking forward to seeing who puts their hand up,” Flegler said. “It’s pleasing to have been able to reward Phoebe, Kim and Heather for strong form throughout the WBBL, and hopefully they get the chance to show what they can do at some stage during the series.
“We’ve had an eye on Phoebe for a while and she’s really taken her game to the next level this summer. She’s made her mark at the top of the order for the Sydney Thunder and we’re looking forward to seeing what she can do in Australian colours.
“Heather hasn’t had many opportunities to break into the side, but she’s toiled away with both bat and ball in domestic cricket. She adds depth to the middle order and provides Shelley [Nitschke, the coach] and Alyssa with another pace-bowling option.”
Both have had good WBBL returns: Wellington has taken 21 wickets at 15.09 with an economy of 6.62, and Redmayne has scored 333 runs at 41.62 despite missing the last four matches through injury.
“These five matches form an important part of the team’s preparations for the upcoming T20 World Cup in South Africa as well as providing an opportunity for some players to gain some experience in Indian conditions,” Flegler said. “India will be a good test; they’re a strong side and the two teams have had some good battles in recent times.”
The five-match series begins on December 9, with all the games taking place in Mumbai across the DY Patil and Brabourne stadiums.