Sophie Molineux’s international career includes three Test matches, 19 ODIs, and 44 T20Is since her debut in 2018.
Australia’s captain, Sophie Molineux, has been declared fit and named to the Australian squad for the upcoming T20 World Cup.
The 28-year-old all-rounder is set to lead the 15-member squad at the tournament in England, supported by vice-captains Ash Gardner and Tahlia McGrath.
Fast bowler Lucy Hamilton has been selected for her inaugural international tournament as the six-time champions aim to reclaim the World Cup title following their semi-final exit in 2024.
All-rounders Annabel Sutherland and Grace Harris are back in the squad, having been rested and dropped, respectively, for the tour of the West Indies in March.
Molineux was appointed as the Australian captain in January, succeeding the retired Alyssa Healy, a decision that raised eyebrows given her injury-plagued career.
She sustained a back injury before the Caribbean tour, her first away series as captain, where she featured solely as a batter.
Australia’s national selector, Shawn Flegler, had previously confirmed, external that Molineux would not have been considered for the World Cup if she were unable to bowl.
“Sophie has already stamped her authority as captain and cultivated a robust connection with the team during the recent tours. We eagerly anticipate the team’s achievements under her guidance,” Flegler stated upon the squad’s announcement.
“Darcie Brown was unfortunate to miss out, but the decision was based on the anticipated conditions and the team’s composition.”
“With at least six right-arm pace options available and the expectation that raw pace will be less effective, we opted for Lucy Hamilton, who provides a different dimension as a left-arm quick.”
Molineux’s team will engage in warm-up matches against South Africa, England, and the West Indies before commencing their tournament against South Africa on June 13 at Old Trafford.
Sophie Molineux (capt), Nicola Carey, Ash Gardner, Kim Garth, Lucy Hamilton, Grace Harris, Alana King, Phoebe Litchfield, Tahlia McGrath, Beth Mooney, Ellyse Perry, Megan Schutt, Annabel Sutherland, Georgia Voll, Georgia Wareham
Travelling reserve: Tahlia Wilson
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