Teenage batting phenom Phoebe Litchfield is inching closer to her dream of playing for Australia.
The NSW player has long been touted for big things and she is in serious contention to make her international debut during Australia's five-game Twenty20 series in India.
The 19-year-old has been named for her first overseas tour and could fit straight into the spot left vacant by recently retired star Rachael Haynes.
"I'm like for like with Rach, top-to-middle order batter, a fielder, so I guess that's the spot that's free in the Aussie set-up," Litchfield told reporters on Wednesday.
"But I'm not looking for anything at the moment and just relishing the time in the group.
"It would mean the world to play for Australia, it's been my dream for so long.
"If I got the call up on this tour, it'd be awesome."
Litchfield's name was first put on the map when she batted with Australia icon Ricky Ponting during a bushfire-relief charity game in February 2020 as a 16-year-old.
But stepping into the spotlight at such a young age has not hindered her progress, and she has starred with the NSW Breakers and the Sydney Thunder in the WBBL in recent seasons.
Litchfield's cricket has gone to another level after finishing high school last year and being able to devote far more time to the sport.
Not only has Haynes' retirement created a batting spot in the dual world champions' line-up, but Meg Lanning remains on leave after taking a break following the Commonwealth Games gold-medal win.
But Australia are still blessed with star players, with dashing keeper-batter Alyssa Healy to captain in Lanning's absence.
Allrounder Ash Gardner and spinner Jess Jonassen have established themselves in the team, while allrounder Ellyse Perry has returned to bowling after a long injury break.
The first T20 against India will take place in Mumbai on Saturday morning AEDT.
