Healy out of NZ tour, but backed to play in World Cup

Australia expect Alyssa Healy to be back firing for this year's ODI World Cup, after the captain was ruled out of next month's T20 tour of New Zealand.

Selectors confirmed Victorian Nicole Faltum as the one new face for Australia's squad on Tuesday, with the 25-year-old called into her first national squad.

The Victorian wicketkeeper is unlikely to feature in New Zealand, with veteran top-order batter Beth Mooney to again wear the gloves in Healy's absence.

Healy has endured a difficult injury run dating back to midway through last year, when a pre-tournament foot injury re-emerged to ruin her T20 World Cup.

A knee injury suffered in the WBBL also ended her part in that tournament prematurely, ruling her out of ODIs against India and stopping her keeping in New Zealand.

The 34-year-old recovered to keep wicket at the start of the Ashes, but a recurrence of the foot injury ruled her out of the three T20s against England and prevented her from wearing the gloves in the Test.

That injury has since ruled her out of the lucrative WPL in India and this New Zealand tour, with selectors unsure when she will return to the field.

But officials remain confident the veteran opener will be fine for September's 50-over World Cup, with Australia to defend their title in India.

"My understanding is there is no doubt she will get through to the World Cup," chief selector Shawn Flegler said.

"We don't want to rush it ... We have three ODIs against India leading into that World Cup, so that's what we're aiming for.

"There is an Australia A series against India A at home before that, and The Hundred (in England in July) as well, so there are a couple of playing opportunities.

"But at the moment Alyssa is just focusing on that rehab and staying off her foot as much as possible."

Healy's absence means Tahlia McGrath will again captain the side, with Ashleigh Gardner her deputy when the series begins at Eden Park on March 21.

Flegler indicated it was unlikely Faltum would play in New Zealand, but selectors wanted to see her around the squad after impressive performances leading Australia A.

Her selection came ahead of fellow 25-year-old Tahlia Wilson and Western Australia's Maddy Darke, who have been the top and third leading run-scorers in the 50-over WNCL this summer.

But Flegler said Faltum's returns in the WBBL with the Melbourne Renegades helped win her the spot.

"It's a tight call to be honest," Flegler said.

"We have seen the progression from Nic Faltum, we have played her in Australia A. She had a really good WBBL season.

"It was more about her development, she has continued to do that. There are some leadership qualities in there which are really nice.

"Her keeping has continued to improve, and her lower-order batting is something good to look at as well."

Flegler also confirmed Sophie Molineux (knee) should return before the World Cup, while Tayla Vlaeminck's chances were still clouded after shoulder surgery.

AUSTRALIA'S SQUAD FOR THREE T20s VS NEW ZEALAND

Tahlia McGrath (capt), Ashleigh Gardner (vc), Darcie Brown, Nicole Faltum, Kim Garth, Grace Harris, Alana King, Phoebe Litchfield, Beth Mooney, Ellyse Perry, Megan Schutt, Annabel Sutherland, Georgia Voll, Georgia Wareham.