Australia Appoints Molineux Captain; India Unveils Squad
Sophie Molineux has been appointed as the new captain of the Australian women’s cricket team, succeeding Alyssa Healy. This announcement marks a significant transition for the team as Molineux will lead across all formats. The 28-year-old spin-bowling allrounder will officially take charge of the T20I side during an upcoming series against India next month.
Upcoming Series Against India
When Australia hosts India, Molineux will assume the captaincy of the T20I team. After that, she will take on the roles of ODI and Test captain during Australia’s Caribbean tour in March. This series consists of T20I, ODI, and Test matches.
Squad Announcements
The Australian selectors have also unveiled their squads for the series against India:
- T20I Squad: Sophie Molineux (c), Ashleigh Gardner (vc), Tahlia McGrath (vc), Darcie Brown, Nicola Carey, Kim Garth, Grace Harris, Phoebe Litchfield, Beth Mooney, Ellyse Perry, Megan Schutt, Annabel Sutherland, Georgia Voll, Georgia Wareham
- ODI Squad: Alyssa Healy (c), Sophie Molineux (vc), Darcie Brown, Nicola Carey, Ashleigh Gardner, Kim Garth, Alana King, Phoebe Litchfield, Beth Mooney, Tahlia McGrath, Ellyse Perry, Annabel Sutherland, Georgia Voll, Georgia Wareham
- Test Squad: Alyssa Healy (c), Sophie Molineux (vc), Darcie Brown, Ashleigh Gardner, Kim Garth, Lucy Hamilton, Alana King, Phoebe Litchfield, Beth Mooney, Tahlia McGrath, Ellyse Perry, Annabel Sutherland, Georgia Voll, Georgia Wareham
Notable Inclusions and Exclusions
Nicola Carey returns to the international scene in the white-ball formats. Additionally, 19-year-old Lucy Hamilton could make her Test debut after being named in a national squad for the first time. Meanwhile, several notable players, including leg-spinner Alana King, have been left out of the T20I side.
Despite an injury setback, Phoebe Litchfield has been selected for all three squads. Megan Schutt and Grace Harris are among the World Cup squad members who will not participate in the ODI team.
Molineux’s Leadership Qualities
Molineux expressed her honor at being named captain, emphasizing the strength and potential within the team. She highlighted the presence of natural leaders and emerging talents.
The allrounder from Bairnsdale, Victoria, has faced multiple injuries throughout her career, limiting her appearances to 58 matches since her debut in 2018. Despite these challenges, she has been regarded as a strong leader in domestic cricket.
Mentorship and Leadership History
Molineux was previously the captain of the Melbourne Renegades and Victoria, showcasing her leadership capabilities. National selector Shawn Flegler praised her resilience and leadership qualities, noting the importance of managing her workload due to past injuries.
Details of the Series
The series against India will take place across multiple venues:
| Date | Match Type | Venue | Time (AEDT) |
|---|---|---|---|
| February 15 | T20I | SCG | 7:15 PM |
| February 19 | T20I | Manuka Oval, Canberra | 7:15 PM |
| February 21 | T20I | Adelaide Oval | 7:15 PM |
| February 24 | ODI | Allan Border Field, Brisbane | 2:50 PM |
| February 27 | ODI | Bellerive Oval, Hobart | 2:50 PM |
| March 1 | ODI | Bellerive Oval, Hobart | 2:50 PM |
| March 6-9 | Test | WACA Ground | 4:20 PM (D/N) |
In conclusion, Australia’s upcoming series against India marks a new chapter with Sophie Molineux as captain. The series will showcase emerging talents and established players as they aim for success in all formats.
