Australia name young seamer Tayla Vlaeminck in Women's Ashes squad

The two teams drew the series last time around in 2017, though Australia – without captain Meg Lanning, who had undergone shoulder surgery – retained the trophy after previously beating England away from home in 2015

Australia have named 20-year-old pace bowler Tayla Vlaeminck in their squad for the Women’s Ashes series against England, which begins in July.

The rookie right-armer has been named as one of 14 members of the touring party despite having not played since December as a result of a partial tear of her anterior cruciate knee ligament.

Nicole Bolton, who made 124 on her ODI debut against England in 2014 but missed Australia’s most recent series with New Zealand for personal reasons, returns to the setup for the multi-format, points-based contest.

The two teams drew the points-based series last time around in 2017, though Australia – without captain Meg Lanning, who had undergone surgery on a shoulder injury – retained the trophy after previously beating England away from home in 2015.

The 27-year-old star is back in charge now, however, as her side looks to secure a second successive victory on English soil.

While a squad of just 14 appears light on the ground, Australia A will also be in England at the same time, sporting a 13-strong group, any of whom could be called upon if required.

^{The most recent series ended with both teams on eight points each, with Australia retaining the trophy after winning the previous contest.}

Among that group are Amanda-Jade Wellington and Tahlia McGrath, who both took part in the 2017 Test.

Vlaeminck, meanwhile, has only represented Australia in one previous ODI – against Pakistan in October 2018. She took a solitary wicket that day, while she impressed in the most recent edition of the Women’s Big Bash. Playing for Melbourne Renegades, she dismantled Sydney Thunder’s top order, which included Australia greats Alex Blackwell and Rachael Haynes, as well as New Zealand batsman Rachel Priest.

National selector Shawn Flegler said of the young seamer: “Tayla was under an injury cloud but she's back bowling and has had a terrific off-season up in Brisbane, so we're really excited to see what she can do in English conditions.”

The series, which comprises three ODIs, one Test and three T20 internationals, begins in Leicester on 2 July.

Australia Squad: Meg Lanning (capt), Rachael Haynes (vice-capt), Nicole Bolton, Nicola Carey, Ashleigh Gardner, Alyssa Healy (wk), Jess Jonassen, Delissa Kimmince, Beth Mooney, Ellyse Perry, Megan Schutt, Elyse Villani, Tayla Vlaeminck, Georgia Wareham.