Day, McKenna named in GG's XI

The Governor-General’s XI (GG’s XI) will be led by Victorian, Nicole Faltum, and features Leading Aircraftwoman Samantha Quadrio alongside Australian players Alyssa Healy, Darcie Brown, Georgia Voll and Heather Graham.

A member of the Royal Australian Air Force, Quadrio, is a pace bowler and handy top order batter, with her selection continuing a long-standing association with the Australian Defence Force that provides the opportunity for eligible serving personnel to participate in the annual fixture.

The squad also boasts some of Australia’s most promising young players, including fast bowlers Milly Illingworth and Tess Flintoff, spinners Sophie Day and Amy Smith, and batters Charli Knott, Rhys McKenna and Anika Learoyd.

Former Australian player and current assistant coach of South Australia’s women’s team and the Adelaide Strikers’ Weber WBBL side, Nicole Bolton will coach the side with the assistance of Clive Rose and Gavan Twining.

The GG's XI match is a free, non-ticketed event and will be broadcast live on Foxtel and Kayo Sports.

Governor-General’s XI squad

Nicole Faltum (VIC/Dandenong CC) – captain

Charli Knott (QLD/University of Queensland CC) – vice-captain

Darcie Brown (SA/Northern Districts CC)

Sophie Day (VIC/Prahan CC)

Tess Flintoff (VIC/Ringwood CC)

Heather Graham (TAS/Clarence CC)

Alyssa Healy (NSW/Sydney CC)

Milly Illingworth (VIC/Essendon Maribyrnong Park CC)

Anika Learoyd (NSW/Northern Districts CC)

Rhys McKenna (VIC/Prahan CC)

Leading Aircraftwoman Samantha Quadrio – Australian Defence Force

Amy Smith (TAS/New Town CC)

Georgia Voll (QLD/Sandgate-Redcliffe CC)

Tahlia Wilson (NSW/St George-Sutherland CC)

CA’s Head of Performance (Women’s Cricket) and National Selector, Shawn Flegler said:

“We’re really looking forward to this fixture, it’s always a special occasion on the calendar and it’s a great chance for our brightest young stars to face a strong England side ahead of what will be a fiercely fought Ashes Series.

“The players selected have impressed throughout the summer across a variety of competitions and we’re looking forward to seeing what they can do against a world-class opponent.

“The match also gives a number of Australian contract players the chance to gain valuable time out in the middle ahead of the Ashes, in particular Alyssa Healy who is making a gradual return from a knee injury.

“This year will be made even more significant, with the Governor-General, Her Excellency the Honourable Sam Mostyn AC, becoming the first woman Governor-General to lead an XI.

“We thank the Governor-General for her support of this fixture and looking forward to what will be a great occasion.”

Governor-General Her Excellency the Hon Sam Mostyn AC said:

“I’m thrilled to be able to name my first Governor-General’s XI and am looking forward to seeing captain Nicole Faltum, returning stars like Alyssa Healy and the talented side take on England ahead of an historic Ashes Series.

“Leading Aircraftwoman Samantha Quadrio performed well at the recent ADF Cricket National Carnival and I am excited she will have the opportunity to play alongside such experienced cricketers.

“This fixture is going to be a tremendous occasion and I encourage as many fans to come along to North Sydney Oval to see some of the world’s best players and talented next generation of stars in action.”

GG’s XI v England

50-over match
Thursday, January 9, 2025 | 10:05am AEDT start
North Sydney Oval, Sydney
Broadcast: Foxtel & Kayo Sports