Mooney, a 22-year-old opener, and 17-year-old Cheatle made their international debuts last month.

They have been retained for Australia's world cup campaign, which starts on March 18 against South Africa in Nagpur.

"It's an exciting time for the entire squad, but in particular Beth Mooney and Lauren Cheatle," chairman of selectors Shawn Flegler said.

"Beth showed positive signs at the top of the order, while Lauren impressed with the ball. This will be another great opportunity for these young players."

Cheatle, a left-arm fast bowler, is still at school in Bowral, NSW.

Meg Lanning will skipper the Southern Stars as they chase a fourth straight Twenty20 title, with Alex Blackwell vice-captain.

Ellyse Perry, who starred with bat and ball in the side's successful Ashes campaign last year, headlines a long list of established stars in the group.

"We've got a number of options covered with our bowling attack, as well as several batters who can produce the attacking game style we want to play," Flegler said.

"The players have had a solid build-up to the tournament, with strong competition against India in our recent home series, as well as the first season of the Women's Big Bash League."

Lanning said it was always difficult to pick only 15 players, but selectors had struck the right balance between youth and experience.

Cheatle was a calm person with a dangerous left-arm action, she said.

"She settled in really nicely in the Indian T20 series, so it's exciting to have her on board and to see what she can do for us."

Lanning said the group had avoided talking about the World Twenty20 winning streak.

"There's going to be a lot of teams that will be right up there, more than ever, which is great for the game," she said.

Australia head to New Zealand this month for three Twenty20s and three one-dayers before they go to India.

Once there, the Southern Stars' first matches will be against South Africa and New Zealand – a tough draw, Lanning said.

"South Africa, as we've seen in the WBBL, have a number of really good players who can be match-winners."

With aap