Sophie Molineux will succeed Alyssa Healy as the all-format captain of Australia Women.
Sophie Molineux appointed Australia all-format captain
Following much speculation, Australia named Molineux as Healy’s successor across as the captain of their women’s team in all three formats. However, Healy will lead Australia in the one-off Test and the ODIs her farewell series, against India, but will not play in the T20Is.
Molineux, who will lead Australia in the T20Is, has been named deputy to Healy for the Test and the ODIs. For the T20Is, Australia have named two vice-captains – Tahlia McGrath, the incumbent vice-captain, and Ash Gardner.
Molineux will become the ninth to lead Australia in Women’s T20Is. When she succeeds Healy, she will become the 21st to lead them in Test cricket and 20th in ODIs.
“It’s a real honour to be named Australian captain and something I’m incredibly proud of, especially following on from Alyssa, who’s had such a huge impact on this team and the game,” said Molineux. “We’ve got a really strong group with plenty of natural leaders, alongside a lot of exciting talent coming through, and I’m really looking forward to working together as we keep evolving and pushing ourselves to the next level, while staying true to the identity that makes this team so special.”
Read: Alyssa Healy’s legacy on the game can never be matched
Other noteworthy inclusions are of Phoebe Litchfield, included in all three squads despite being ruled out of the rest of the ongoing WPL with a quad injury; Nicola Carey, recalled to international cricket after December 2022, presumably after her impressive run across this season’s WBBL and WPL; and uncapped teenage left-arm fast bowler Lucy Hamilton, whose call-up to the Test squad was a first across formats.
At the same time, Megan Schutt, Grace Harris, and Heather Graham have been dropped from the ODIs, and Alana King from the T20Is. Selectors have also named a 13-player Governor-General's XI squad to meet India in a 20-over match at North Sydney Oval on February 13, which includes Georgia Voll, Kim Garth, and Charli Knott, and Australian Defence Force cricketer corporal Frances Whittaker.
Australia squads for India series
Governor-General’s XI for 20-over match
Charli Knott (c), Chloe Ainsworth, Nicole Faltum, Tess Flintoff, Kim Garth, Sianna Ginger, Lucy Hamilton, Alana King, Anika Learoyd, Hayley Silver-Holmes, Rachel Trenaman, Georgia Voll, Corporal Frances Whittaker.
T20Is
Sophie Molineux (c), Ash 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.
ODIs
Alyssa Healy (c), Sophie Molineux (vc), Darcie Brown, Nicola Carey, Ash Gardner, Kim Garth, Alana King, Phoebe Litchfield, Beth Mooney, Tahlia McGrath, Ellyse Perry, Annabel Sutherland, Georgia Voll, Georgia Wareham.
Test
Alyssa Healy (c), Sophie Molineux (vc), Darcie Brown, Ash Gardner, Kim Garth, Lucy Hamilton, Alana King, Phoebe Litchfield, Beth Mooney, Tahlia McGrath, Ellyse Perry, Annabel Sutherland, Georgia Voll, Georgia Wareham.
Australia v India 2025/26 schedule
February 13, Sydney: Tour match against Governor-General’s XI
February 15, Sydney (N): First T20I
February 19, Carrara (N): Second T20I
February 21, Adelaide (N): Third T20I
February 15, Brisbane (D/N): First ODI
February 19, Hobart (D/N): Second ODI
February 21, Hobart (D/N): Third ODI
March 6-9, Perth (D/N): Test match
