Australia women vs India women: Sophie Molineux has been named as Australia's women's cricket team's new all-format captain, having taken over the leadership role after veteran star Alyssa Healy announced that she will be retiring from international cricket after the all-format series against India at home. Healy will lead the team in the ODI and Test series against India.
The 28-year-old Molineux will have the three-match T20I series against India as her first assignment as the new skipper, before assuming the one-day and Test duties for their tour of the Caribbean in March. Molineux has been elevated ahead of current Australia all-format vice-captain Tahlia McGrath, who will remain in the role. On the other hand, Ashleigh Gardner has been named as a second vice-captain
"It's a real honour to be named Australian captain and something I'm incredibly proud of, especially following on from Alyssa, who's had such a huge impact on this team and the game," Molineux said.
ALSO READ: Why India Played Just 6 Batters In 4th T20I Against New Zealand? Suryakumar Yadav Says...
"We've got a really strong group with plenty of natural leaders, alongside a lot of exciting talent coming through, and I'm really looking forward to working together as we keep evolving and pushing ourselves to the next level, while staying true to the identity that makes this team so special. I'm incredibly grateful for the trust that's been shown in me, and I'm excited to grow alongside this group of players and see what we can achieve together with Tahlia, Ash and the rest of the team."
ALSO READ: A Look At Pakistan's Record In T20 World Cup History | Constant Beating Against India
The recent development was confirmed when Australia announced their squads for the T20I, ODI and Test series against India, starting from February 15. Nicola Carey is all set to make her return to international cricket through the white-ball games. On the other hand, the 19-year-old quick Lucy Hamilton could make her Test debut after being named in a national squad for the first time.
Interestingly, young opener Phoebe Litchfield has been named in all three formats despite sustaining a quad injury recently, which kept him out of the remainder of the ongoing Women's Premier League. Meanwhile, legspinner Alana King has been dropped from the T20I squad for the India series following a disappointing WBBL campaign. Veteran pacer Megan Schutt has likely played her final ODI after she was left out of the 50-over squad, also missing out on the Test squad.
On the other hand, the likes of Grace Harris and Heather Graham have also been left out of the ODI squad.
Australia T20I Squad for India series: Darcie Brown, Nicola Carey, Ashleigh Gardner, Kim Garth, Grace Harris, Phoebe Litchfield, Tahlia McGrath, Sophie Molineux (capt), Beth Mooney, Ellyse Perry, Megan Schutt, Annabel Sutherland, Georgia Voll, Georgia Wareham
Australia ODI Squad for India series: Darcie Brown, Nicola Carey, Ashleigh Gardner, Kim Garth, Alyssa Healy (capt), 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 (capt), Alana King, Phoebe Litchfield, Tahlia McGrath, Sophie Molineux, Beth Mooney, Ellyse Perry, Annabel Sutherland, Georgia Voll, Georgia Wareham