Australian women’s cricket has entered a new phase with Sophie Molineux taking over as the all-format captain, and the left-arm spinner’s leadership journey will begin immediately with a high-profile assignment against India at home.
Cricket Australia confirmed Molineux’s appointment on Thursday, handing the 28-year-old the responsibility of leading the most successful team in women’s cricket following Alyssa Healy’s decision to step aside from the captaincy. Molineux’s first challenge will be the upcoming multi-format series against India, starting February 15, a crucial test with the Women’s T20 World Cup 2026 also looming later this year.
Having made her international debut in March 2018, Molineux has been a key figure in Australia’s white-ball dominance. The left-arm spinner was part of Australia’s ICC Women’s T20 World Cup-winning squads in 2018 and 2020 and, over the last eight years, has represented the country in three Tests, 17 ODIs and 38 T20Is.
Speaking after her appointment, Molineux acknowledged the significance of taking over from Healy and expressed her excitement ahead of the India series. “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,” Molineux said.
“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.”
Tahlia McGrath will continue as vice-captain, with Ash Gardner elevated alongside her to strengthen Australia’s leadership group as Molineux settles into the role.
Meanwhile, Healy is set to retire from international cricket following the multi-format series with India and will lead the team during the ODIs and one-off Test as Molineux settles into her new role. The wicketkeeper-batter has been part of eight World Cup-winning teams, including ODI titles in 2018 and 2022 and T20 World Cup victories in 2010, 2012, 2014, 2018, 2020 and 2023.
There were no major surprises in the Australian squads named for the India series. All-rounder Nicola Carey has earned a recall to the white-ball squads, while youngster Lucy Hamilton features among the 14 players selected for the Test. Veteran seamer Megan Schutt, however, has been left out of the ODI squad following Australia’s underwhelming campaign at last year’s ICC Women’s Cricket World Cup.
Australia squads for the India series:
T20Is: 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
ODIs: 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: 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