Australia has announced Sophie Molineux as the nation’s new full-time all-format cricket captain, succeeding Alyssa Healy, who is retiring from international cricket. Molineux will lead the team for the first time in the T20I segment of the upcoming multi-format series against India, marking the start of a new era.
The leadership team has also been reshaped, with Tahlia McGrath remaining as vice-captain across all formats. Additionally, Ashleigh Gardner has been appointed as a second vice-captain alongside McGrath, strengthening the team’s leadership group.
Expressing her pride, Molineux said, “It’s a real honour to be named Australian captain and something I’m incredibly proud of, especially following Alyssa’s impactful career. We have a strong group with natural leaders and exciting talent, and I look forward to working together to elevate the team further.”
The 28-year-old Victorian spinner, who has been sidelined due to injury since 2024, was selected for her leadership success as captain of the Melbourne Renegades, leading them to a title in 2024-25. Despite limited recent playing time at the international level, her appointment reflects confidence in her leadership potential.
Molineux’s first tour as captain will be during the three-match T20I series against India in February, before she takes charge in the upcoming ODI and Test matches, including Australia’s matches in the Caribbean and the T20 World Cup in England this June.
National selector Shawn Flegler highlighted that Molineux’s workload will be carefully managed due to her injury history. He also reaffirmed McGrath’s vital role, noting her extensive leadership experience with 16 acting captaincies, and emphasized Gardner’s contribution to the leadership group.
In squad updates, legspinner Alana King has been dropped from the T20I team following a challenging WBBL campaign. In her place, Nicola Carey returns to the white-ball squads and is poised to make her international comeback after standout domestic performances. Veteran Megan Schutt has been left out of both the ODI and Test squads, while 19-year-old Lucy Hamilton earns her maiden Test call-up.
The squads will face India in a warm-up T20 match in Sydney on February 13, ahead of the series beginning February 15.
Australia T20 Squad:
Darcie Brown, Nicola Carey, Ashleigh Gardner, Kim Garth, Grace Harris, Phoebe Litchfield, Tahlia McGrath, Sophie Molineux (captain), Beth Mooney, Ellyse Perry, Megan Schutt, Annabel Sutherland, Georgia Voll, Georgia Wareham
Australia ODI Squad:
Darcie Brown, Nicola Carey, Ashleigh Gardner, Kim Garth, Alyssa Healy (captain), Alana King, Phoebe Litchfield, Tahlia McGrath, Sophie Molineux, Beth Mooney, Ellyse Perry, Annabel Sutherland, Georgia Voll, Georgia Wareham
Australia Test Squad:
Darcie Brown, Ashleigh Gardner, Kim Garth, Lucy Hamilton, Alyssa Healy (captain), Alana King, Phoebe Litchfield, Tahlia McGrath, Sophie Molineux, Beth Mooney, Ellyse Perry, Annabel Sutherland, Georgia Voll, Georgia Wareham
The series and tournaments will be crucial as Australia transitions into this new leadership phase following Healy’s illustrious career.