Wellington 'at peace' with omission from India tour
After meaningful discussions with national selectors, legspinner Amanda-Jade Wellington believes she knows what it takes to be part of Australia's title defence at the T20 World Cup following her surprise omission for next month's tour of India.
Wellington was notably overlooked from the 15-player squad for the five-match T20I series, which is seen as important preparation for February's T20 World Cup in South Africa. She was a casualty as selectors sought to strengthen the pace stocks for a squad under the helm of new skipper Alyssa Healy, who has taken the reins with regular captain Meg Lanning on a personal break.
Alana King, Jess Jonassen and Ashleigh Gardner were named as the frontline spinners.
Wellington was part of Australia's squads in their triumphs at the 50-over World Cup and Commonwealth Games, while she has been a standout in the WBBL with 21 wickets at an average of 15.09 for Adelaide Strikers to be named in the team of the tournament.
"It's [the omission] perfectly fine. I think it's a really good squad heading to India," Wellington told reporters on Wednesday. "I would love to go to India, but I'm looking forward to WNCL and an opportunity to play 50-over cricket and represent South Australia as well."
She said in-depth conversations with Australia's hierarchy has helped her understand what is required to make the squad to South Africa.
"I think I've personally gotten better at that [talking to selectors]," Wellington said. "I think in the past, I would probably push it aside and deal with it. The last few years I've questioned it a little bit, I've got a little bit of clarity around it.
"That makes me feel more at peace with it and know that they are making the right decisions. The communication is really on point and I know what I need to do for next selection time.
"You've got people like Alana King who is a really good leggie at the moment and you've got someone like Georgia Wareham coming back into the mix, so I know there's going to be a lot of competition but hopefully I can put my hand up [for the T20 World Cup].
"So I think for me, it's more so putting that behind me now and making sure I perform in the WBBL finals."
Wellington will be hoping to issue a reminder to selectors in the WBBL's finals on Thursday when Strikers play Brisbane Heat in The Challenger.
"I think the really good thing is that we've got really good momentum coming into the semis," said Wellington, who starred with 5 for 8 in The Eliminator against Heat last season. "The higher the pressure, the more that's at stake. I always want the ball.
"I think I'm more at peace with my game, knowing that's my role, I'm here to take wickets and if I go for runs, that's okay."