Cricket Victoria has named a 13-player Victoria Women's Second XI squad to face South Australia in two One Day matches at Park 25 in Adelaide on 15 and 17 September.
The fixtures continue the Second XI program following its reintroduction last season, further strengthening the connection between Victoria's underage pathway programs, Premier Cricket and the Women's National Cricket League (WNCL).
Victorian Women's Assistant Coach Blake Reed will lead the team as head coach, supported by former Australian player Jess Duffin as assistant coach.
The squad features six Victorian contracted players: Ira Aery, Hasrat Gill, Olivia Henry, Bronte Leishman, Georgia Prestwidge and Zoe Samuel. Gill will captain the side, with Samuel named vice-captain.
The squad also includes several emerging players performing strongly across Victoria's pathway and Premier Cricket programs. Jasmine Kamboj, Charli McLennan, Eva Baird and Noura Abdul Qader have recently been involved in Cricket Australia's Under-19 program, highlighting the next generation of talent progressing through the Victorian system.
Reed said the continuation of the Second XI program was important to providing Victorian players with meaningful opportunities at a high-performance level.
"Second XI cricket provides an important link between our pathway programs, Premier Cricket and the WNCL squad," Reed said.
"It allows players to challenge themselves in a high-quality environment, gain experience against strong opposition and demonstrate their readiness for the next level.
"We have an exciting blend of contracted players and emerging talent in this squad. These matches will also provide valuable preparation early in the season, ahead of the commencement of the WNCL later this month."
Mirroring the WNCL format, Victoria and South Australia will contest two One Day matches across the three-day period.
Victoria Women's Second XI squad
Noura Abdul Qader - Geelong CC
Ira Aery - Essendon Maribyrnong Park Ladies CC
Eva Baird - Prahran CC
Aanliya Cheeran - Geelong CC
Tia Davidge - Essendon Maribyrnong Park Ladies CC
Hasrat Gill (c) - Melbourne CC
Zoe Griffiths - Box Hill CC
Olivia Henry - Prahran CC
Jasmine Kamboj - Melbourne CC
Bronte Leishman - Geelong CC
Charli McLennan - Carlton CC
Georgia Prestwidge - Melbourne CC
Zoe Samuel (vc) - Melbourne CC
Match schedule
Match 1: Victoria Second XI v South Australia Second XI
Tuesday 15 September – Park 25, Adelaide
Match 2: Victoria Second XI v South Australia Second XI
Thursday 17 September – Park 25, Adelaide
