Three top-line spinners are battling for spots in Australiaâs dominant womenâs ODI team, and Alana King says the âhealthy competitionâ is bringing the best out of the trio.
Ahead of Australiaâs second ODI against South Africa at North Sydney Oval on Wednesday, King said there was room for both herself and fellow legspinner Georgia Wareham in the side.
Another selection possibility is left-arm orthodox spinner Jess Jonassen, who was not picked for any of the three T20s or the first ODI against the Proteas.
King, who only joined the squad for the ODI portion of the multi-format series, said the battle for the spin positions was representative of Australiaâs depth across the board.
âWeâre very blessed in Australian cricket, and it brings the best out of us when thereâs competition,â she said.
âWe want to be performing at our best and playing our best cricket all the time.
âWe know if we do get left out of a squad or a team, some of your teammates are there to pick up the slack and go out and play their role.
âWe love the rivalry within the team, but it actually brings out the best of us and we all love playing with each other.â
King took a team-best 3-19 as Australia rolled South Africa for just 105 in the first ODI.
Wareham took 0-23 off her six overs.
Jonassen hasnât played an ODI since July 2023, missing the teamâs past seven outings, with the legspinners preferred.
King says there is enough variation between hers and Warehamâs bowling to justify selecting both players.
âYes, we both bowl legspin, but weâre quite different in the way we bowl and we challenge batters differently,â King said.
â(Wareham) is a great asset to our squad.
âWe fit really well into the 11, and hopefully thereâs many more games weâre playing together.â
After Wednesdayâs clash, Australia and South Africa close their ODI series with another game at North Sydney Oval on Saturday.
The teams then head to Perth, where they will clash in a Test at the WACA Ground starting on February 15.
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Alex Mitchell
(Australian Associated Press)
