The excitement is building as Australia gears up for the second annual Green vs Gold red-ball clash, an eagerly anticipated event set to unfold at Canberra’s Phillip Oval from March 12-14. This competition marks the beginning of England A’s tour of Australia and is essential for both teams, acting as a precursor to a comprehensive series of matches which will include three T20s, three one-dayers, and an intense four-day match scheduled between March 26 and April 15.
This year, we’ll witness 30 of Australia’s most promising cricketers take to the field, making this three-day Green vs Gold match a talent showcase that fans won’t want to miss. Among the standout names are Nicole Faltum, who has recently earned her place as a reserve wicketkeeper in the T20I squad, and Tahlia Wilson, crowned the Women’s National Cricket League (WNCL) Player of the Season. These athletes will bring their skills and determination to the pitch, aiming to impress selectors before representing Australia A against their longstanding rivals, England A.
Leading the Green team will be Nicole Faltum, whose growth in the sport has been inspiring to watch. Over the past season, her performance in the WNCL was nothing short of stellar, where she accumulated 438 runs over 12 innings with an impressive average. Her highest score of 90 exemplified her rising star potential. Faltum’s batting not only offered solid contributions but also brought a sense of stability to her team—qualities crucial in a high-stakes match like this one.
On the Gold side, the talented all-rounder Charli Knott will take the reins as captain. Knott had an outstanding run in the WNCL, shining particularly bright with her 556 runs at an impressive average of 50.54. She didn’t just shine with the bat, either; her bowling prowess saw her claim 14 wickets, showcasing her versatility on the field. Knott’s contributions will be vital as she leads her team against a fierce competitor in Faltum.
Adding excitement to the event is Amanda-Jade Wellington, a seasoned spin bowling all-rounder who finished as the WNCL’s top wicket-taker with 29 wickets in just 12 games. She’s known for her skilled deliveries and tactical understanding of the game. Alongside her is Anika Learoyd, who played a pivotal role in the WNCL final; her knock of 80 runs was instrumental in her team’s success, and she’s sure to bring that momentum to the Green vs Gold match.
The tournament also highlighted several promising young talents, including 21-year-old Grace Dignam, who stood out with 17 wickets and a best bowling figure of 4/44. Sianna Ginger also made her mark with 15 wickets, proving that the future of Australian cricket is indeed bright and rich with talent.
This year’s Green vs Gold clash is not just another match; it’s an important step in nurturing Australia’s red-ball depth at the domestic level. After a successful first edition held in Adelaide last year, the fixture continues to provide a valuable platform for domestic cricketers to showcase their abilities and aspirations. It’s a chance for players to stake their claim for national representation—an opportunity that many have longed for in their cricketing careers.
As the tournament unfolds, we can expect fierce competition on the field as these talented players battle for their futures in cricket. With national spots at stake, each inning will be a testament to their hard work and dedication. The following is a lineup of athletes ready to make an impact in this exciting face-off:
Green Squad: Nic Faltum (C), Katie Mack (VC), Lauren Cheatle, Maddy Darke, Grace Dignam, Sianna Ginger, Ella Hayward, Elsa Hunter, Lilly Mills, Georgia Prestwidge, Gabby Sutcliffe, Rachel Trenaman, Amanda-Jade Wellington.
Gold Squad: Charli Knott (C), Bridget Patterson (VC), Maitlan Brown, Hannah Darlington, Sophie Day, Emma de Broughe, Amy Edgar, Tess Flintoff, Nicola Hancock, Anika Learoyd, Amy Smith, Courtney Webb, Tahlia Wilson.
As the days count down to the match, fans and players alike are filled with anticipation. The Green vs Gold clash not only promises thrilling cricket but also serves as a celebration of the emerging talents that will define the future of Australian cricket.
Image Source: Nicole Faltum @ Instagram
