Legspinner Amanda-Jade Wellington says she’s at peace with her shock ax for the upcoming T20 India tour, but the same can’t be said for her parents.
Wellington was a surprise omission from the 15-man squad for December’s five-game T20 series in Mumbai, with Australia opting for extra cover on the pace front instead.
This means Alana King and Jess Jonassen will lead the spin department on a tour that will play a key role in Australia’s preparations for next year’s T20 World Cup title defense in South Africa. South.
Wellington has been in fine form in the WBBL this season, snatching 21 wickets from an average of 15.1 for the Adelaide Strikers to earn a place in the team of the tournament.
The 25-year-old took the disappointment of missing the India tour in her stride.
“I think my parents were the most disappointed,” she said of her chop.
“But at this point I know it’s T20 cricket, there are a lot of girls coming.
“It’s perfectly fine. I think it’s a very good team going to India.”
Wellington is determined to win back her place in time for the World Cup and she hopes strong performances for the Strikers in the WBBL final and for South Australia in the 50-year-old competition will help her.
“I know you have people like Alana King who is a really good leg right now and you have someone like Georgia Wareham coming back into the mix so I know there will be a lot of competition but hopefully that I can raise my hand,” she said.
“I have some clarity around (the omission) and it makes me feel more at peace about it.
“I know what I have to do for the next selection.”
Wellington will be aiming to continue their hot form when the Strikers take on the Brisbane Heat or the Hobart Hurricanes in The Challenger on Thursday night.
The star spinner loves the big stage, trapping 5-8 in the Eliminator against Brisbane last year.
“A lot of people obsess me because it’s game show – apparently I want to play for TV,” she said with a laugh of her reputation as a big game player.
“But I think momentum and pressure are key for me. If I know that’s the pressure behind a game, I’ll perform well.
“The higher the pressure, the more at stake, and I’m the one who always wants the ball.”
