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Left-arm speedster Lauren Cheatle hasn't played an international in almost two years but looms as an X-factor in the ODI series opener against NZ.
Australia captain Meg Lanning reckons fit-again speedster Lauren Cheatle will be able to cause some damage if selected for Friday's ODI series opener against New Zealand at the WACA Ground.
Cheatle burst onto the international scene as a 17-year-old in 2016, but she hasn't played for Australia for almost two years because of serious shoulder and back injuries.
The 20-year-old is now back fit and firing, and looms as an X-factor in the upcoming three-match ODI series against NZ.
"I think she could play a really big role," Lanning said of the left-arm quick.
"She's bowling as quick as I've seen her. I faced her in the nets yesterday and she was swinging it and bowling with good pace, which is always really exciting.
"It's been a hard road for her over the last few years with some pretty serious injuries. But she's been very resilient throughout.
"The wicket looks reasonably green out there, so perhaps it could suit the pace bowling."
Australia have held the Rose Bowl Trophy since 2000.
The drought has been so long for NZ that some of their players weren't even born when they last beat Australia in an ODI series.
"It is pretty crazy. It makes me feel old," NZ skipper Amy Satterthwaite said.
"I think it has that extra special factor about it that if we can be the team to get up and win it, it would be pretty exciting.
"There's something about this series that the girls seem to get up for.
"It's always been pretty close contests, even though we haven't been able to get over the line."
Lanning said her team was yet to decide how to replace Nicole Bolton at the top of the order.
Bolton will miss the series due to personal reasons, with either Beth Mooney or vice-captain Rachael Haynes tipped to open the batting with Alyssa Healy.
Australia squad: Meg Lanning (capt), Rachael Haynes (vc), Nicola Carey, Lauren Cheatle, Ashleigh Gardner, Alyssa Healy, Jess Jonassen, Delissa Kimmince, Beth Mooney, Ellyse Perry, Megan Schutt, Elyse Villani, Georgia Wareham
New Zealand squad: Amy Satterthwaite (capt), Suzie Bates, Sophie Devine, Lauren Down, Maddy Green, Hayley Jensen, Leigh Kasperek, Amelia Kerr, Rosemary Mair, Katey Martin, Katie Perkins, Anna Peterson, Hannah Rowe, Lea Tahuhu
