The Australian Selectors have announced the Australian Squad from which the Commonwealth Bank Southern Stars will be selected for the upcoming Ashes Tour to England which begins on the 18th June, 2000.

The tour of England and Ireland will include two Test Matches and 3 ODI's V England and 3 ODI's V Ireland.

The squad of 22 will undergo a program of camps and visits by coaching staff prior to the team being selected in May.

A notable absentee from the list is Joanne Broadbent who announced her retirement at the conclusion of the Women's National Cricket League.

"After 11 years in the Australian team Joanne has made a fantastic contribution to the sport and will be greatly missed by the team. She was the ultimate team player and should be congratulated on a wonderful record " said coach John Harmer.

Broadbent played 10 Tests for Australia after making her debut in New Zealand in 1989/90.

She holds the record for the highest score in a Test Match by an Australian with her 200 v England in 1998. In terms of ODI's, she represented Australia on 60 occasions scoring 993 runs and capturing 38 wickets.

Two young players have impressed selectors with their WNCL performances and made the transition to the AIS Squad.

Emma Liddell a left arm medium pace bowler from NSW was named "Player of the Finals Series" and Queensland's left handed batter Sally Cooper continued her good season with a strong display of free hitting in the finals.

Cherie Bambury (WA), Julie Hayes (NSW), Louise Broadfoot (VIC), Lisa Keightley (NSW), Tricia Brown (QLD), Emma Liddell (NSW), Melissa Bulow (QLD), Olivia Magno (SA), Belinda Clark (NSW), Charmaine Mason (VIC), Leonie Coleman (NSW), Therese McGregor (NSW), Sally Cooper (QLD), Julia Price (QLD), Avril Fahey (WA), Karen Rolton (SA), Cathryn Fitzpatrick (VIC), Nicole Simon (SA), Zoe Goss (WA), Clea Smith (VIC), Michelle Goszko (NSW), Lisa Sthalekar (NSW).

© 2001 Women's Cricket Australia