Australia's next generation of young quicks are ready to explode in this summer's women's Ashes series, according to teenage pace bowler Lauren Cheatle.
With experienced campaigners Megan Schutt and Ellyse Perry set to play a key part in Australia's defence of the Ashes, 18-year-old Cheatle looms as the likely third pace option against England.
She leads a number of young quicks ready to make their mark on international cricket, with fellow NSW teenager Belinda Vakarewa also named in the 15-player Test squad, along with 21-year-old seamer Tahlia McGrath.
"Cricket Australia is in really good hands at the moment, and it's going to be in good hands in a couple of years' time," Cheatle said.
"I think that's done really well by our leader group, we have Pez (Perry) and Schutter who lead this attack really well.
"Their willingness to help us as young fast bowlers has really helped us come together now."
Left-armer Cheatle could prove particularly effective under lights at North Sydney Oval next month.
While like most of the squad she is inexperienced with the pink ball, her propensity to swing the ball back late could be crucial in the usual bowler-friendly conditions.
The Test squad will be cut back to 13 following a three-day warm-up match next month, before the final XI is determined ahead of the November 9-12 fixture.
Cheatle's inclusion in the one-day and Test squads comes just days after she made her return from a six-month injury lay-off from shoulder surgery, which also ruled her out of July's World Cup.
McGrath was the only other player to be named in the squads without having playing in the World Cup, also on return from a stress fracture in her back.
But Cheatle was certain she'd be fit to play come the opening ODI on October 22.
"I pulled up really good after Sunday, so I'm trusting it a bit more now," she said.
"It's the first time I've been completely ruled out of anything. It was tough but I'm really excited now to have this opportunity now to be in this Ashes squad.
"I must say I'm a little bit surprised to be in this squad, in a good way. I did put a bit of pressure on myself and I think that was all internal."
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