Melbourne: Australia’s women’s cricket team has a new leader as spin-bowling all-rounder Sophie Molineux takes over as all-format captain from Alyssa Healy. Cricket Australia confirmed the appointment on Thursday, entrusting Molineux with continuing the legacy of the most successful nation in women’s cricket.
Molineux, who made her international debut in March 2018, has been a key contributor to Australia’s white-ball success, featuring in T20 World Cup-winning squads in 2018 and 2020. Over her career, she has played three Tests, 17 ODIs, and 38 T20Is.
Her first assignment as captain will be a multi-format series against India at home starting 15 February. With the Women’s T20 World Cup 2026 on the horizon in June, the 28-year-old will quickly settle into her leadership role.
“It’s a real honour to be named Australian captain and something I’m incredibly proud of, especially following 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. I’m looking forward to evolving as a team while staying true to our identity.”
Tahlia McGrath will continue as vice-captain, with star all-rounder Ashleigh Gardner joining her to support Molineux.
Molineux has captained Victoria and Melbourne Renegades in domestic cricket, showcasing leadership and resilience despite injuries that sidelined her for key series in recent years.
Alyssa Healy, after a storied career including eight World Cup victories, will retire from international cricket following the multi-format series against India, leading the team in the ODIs and the one-off Test as Molineux transitions into her new role.
The Australian squads for the series against India are as follows:
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
Source: ICC
Discussion about this post