Australia women’s captain Sophie Molineux has been named in the ODI and T20I squads for the upcoming series against Bangladesh and New Zealand on home soil. However, her availability will be assessed over the coming days as she continues to recover from a hip injury.
Australia have selected a 14-member squad for both series. Sophie Molineux is currently set to miss the opening round of the Women’s National Cricket League. Lucy Hamilton and Darcie Brown are also unavailable for the Bangladesh ODIs due to injuries, while Grace Harris has been left out.
Sophie Molineux’s Fitness to Be Assessed Ahead of Bangladesh ODIs
National selector Shawn Flegler said the medical team will continue to assess Sophie Molineux's fitness before the first ODI. The captain has been named in the squad but needs to prove that she is ready to return to competitive cricket.
“Sophie has been named in the squad but has been managing a hip injury, so her involvement in the series will continue to be assessed over the coming days,” Flegler said.
Sophie Molineux has a history of injury problems and is now facing a race against time to be fit for the Bangladesh series. Lucy Hamilton will also miss the three-match ODI series after suffering a mild quad strain during Queensland training. The 20-year-old left-arm pacer could return for the T20I series against New Zealand.
“Lucy suffered a mild quad strain at training, but we’re hopeful she’ll recover in time to be fit and firing for the T20 series,” Flegler said.
Darcie Brown has also been ruled out after suffering a back injury following her return from the Australia A tour of India. Her availability for the Women’s Big Bash League will be assessed in the coming weeks.
“Darcie was assessed on her return home from the Australia A tour to India and has a back injury. Her availability for the Women’s Big Bash will be determined over the coming weeks,” Flegler added.
Grace Harris Misses Out as Australia Name Reduced Squad
Grace Harris is the most notable omission from Australia’s reduced 14-member squad. The hard-hitting batter was part of the team that won the T20 World Cup in July but has not been included for the upcoming home assignments.
Shawn Flegler said Harris remains in the selectors’ plans despite missing this squad. The reduced T20I group and limited opportunities during the World Cup played a role in the decision.
“With the T20 squad reduced in size and limited opportunities during the World Cup, Grace is unlucky to miss out on selection but remains in the frame moving forward,” he said.
Australia ODI and T20 squads: Sophie Molineux (c), Tahlia McGrath (vc), Ashleigh Gardner (vc), Nicola Carey, Kim Garth, Lucy Hamilton (T20I only), Alana King, Phoebe Litchfield, Beth Mooney, Ellyse Perry, Megan Schutt, Annabel Sutherland, Georgia Voll, Georgia Wareham
Australia Prepare for T20 Champions Trophy With Bangladesh, New Zealand Series
Sophie Molineux's Australia will begin their home summer with three ODIs against Bangladesh at Allan Border Field in Brisbane on October 9, 11 and 14. The team will then face New Zealand in three T20Is at North Sydney Oval on October 18, 20 and 22.
The T20I series will be particularly important ahead of the inaugural T20 Champions Trophy in India in February. The six matches will give the team opportunities to test different combinations after their World Cup triumph.
“These six matches will provide a great challenge for the side following the World Cup, with both Bangladesh and New Zealand presenting different challenges,” Flegler said.
“Bangladesh will be a really good test, particularly with the quality they have in their bowling attack. It’s also a great opportunity for our batters to get exposure to subcontinent-style bowling ahead of the Champions Trophy in India,” he added.
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