Australia’s women’s cricket team has officially begun a new leadership era with Sophie Molineux appointed as the all-format captain just weeks before a major home series against India and with the T20 World Cup 2026 on the horizon. The 28-year-old spin-bowling all-rounder succeeds Alyssa Healy, who announced her retirement from international cricket after the India series, marking a significant transition for one of the sport’s most dominant sides.
Cricket Australia confirmed Molineux’s appointment alongside the full squad selections for the upcoming multi-format tour. The assault on India begins mid-February with three T20 Internationals, followed by three ODIs and a one-off Test — a comprehensive schedule that will put Australia’s new leadership structure under immediate scrutiny.
Molineux, who made her international debut in 2018 and has been a key all-round contributor across formats, takes over one of the most successful women’s teams in cricket history. Her leadership group includes Ashleigh Gardner and Tahlia McGrath as vice-captains, providing experienced support around the new skipper.
The decision to elevate Molineux followed Healy’s announcement this month that she would step away from all forms of cricket in March, bringing an end to a long and decorated career that featured multiple world-beating innings and leadership honours. Healy will captain Australia in the ODIs and the one-off Test against India before retiring, after which Molineux will assume full responsibility across all formats domestically and on the road.
Molineux’s ascension is notable not just for its timing but also for the message it sends about Australia’s future direction. A left-arm spinner and competent batter who has also led at domestic levels — including captaining Victoria and guiding the Melbourne Renegades to a WBBL title — she brings tactical insight and calm leadership to the role. Having faced and overcome injury setbacks in recent seasons, Molineux’s journey adds a layer of resilience to her captaincy narrative.
The squad itself reflects a blend of seasoned campaigners and emerging talents positioned to support Molineux’s leadership in the immediate term and beyond. In the T20I squad against India, the core group includes players who have been central to Australia’s white-ball success: Beth Mooney, Ellyse Perry, Darcie Brown, Grace Harris, Georgia Voll and specialist spinners such as Kim Garth and Georgia Wareham. This mix of experience, power hitting and bowling depth gives Molineux multiple tactical options in various match situations.
Cricket Australia’s selectors have also backed squad continuity, with veteran all-rounders and consistent performers retained across formats. The ODI and Test squads — led by Healy in those formats for now — include many of the same players, ensuring familiarity and cohesion as leadership transitions. McGrath and Gardner’s joint vice-captaincy is seen as a stabilising influence, complementing Molineux’s leadership with proven experience and on-field awareness.
Molineux acknowledged the honour of being named captain and paid tribute to Healy’s legacy, emphasizing her pride in leading a side rich with talent and leadership potential. She cited the strength of the group and the challenge of maintaining Australia’s winning culture as key motivators for her and her leadership cohort.
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