Sophie Molineux named all-format captain as Australia announce squad for India series

Sophie Molineux has been named the new all-format captain of the Australian women’s team, taking over from Alyssa Healy.

Sophie will begin her tenure as Australia’s captain with a multi-format home series against India, starting on February 15.



Cricket Australia confirmed Molineux’s appointment on Thursday, giving her the responsibility of leading the national women’s team.

"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.

"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," she added.

With the T20 Women’s World Cup 2026 in June, the 28-year-old will try to get used to her new role quickly.

Tahlia McGrath will stay on as Australia’s vice-captain, with all-rounder Ash Gardner joining her to support Molineux.

"Sophie is highly respected within Australian cricket, and her resilience, composure and proven domestic leadership makes her the right person to lead the team into a new era," Australia selector Shawn Flegler said.

"We will continue to manage Sophie's workload, prioritising key tournaments and major international series following injury challenges in recent seasons," Flegler added.

"Tahlia McGrath remains vice-captain, recognising her significant leadership contribution under Alyssa Healy ... Ash Gardner has been elevated to vice-captain alongside Tahlia, strengthening the team's leadership group.

"Ash and Tahlia provide complementary skills in support of Sophie and are also both capable of leading the team as stand-in captain if required."

Molineux has shown her leadership by captaining her state team, Victoria, and the Melbourne Renegades in the Women’s Big Bash League.

She has also faced several injuries during her career. Although she started playing for Australia at 16, foot and knee injuries kept her out of the national team for more than two years. She missed the 2022 Ashes series, the Commonwealth Games, and the ODI World Cup. She was injured again during the 2025 Ashes series. Despite these setbacks, Molineux has worked her way back and earned her place in the team.


Alyssa Healy will retire after the multi-format series against India and will lead the team during the ODIs and the one-off Test as Molineux settles into her new role.

Australia 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

Australia 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

Australia 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.

There are no major changes in the Australian squad for the multi-format series against India. All-rounder Nicola Carey has been recalled to the white-ball teams, and young player Lucy Hamilton is included in the 14-player Test squad.

Veteran fast bowler Megan Schutt is missing from the ODI squad after being left out following Australia’s disappointing campaign at last year’s ICC Women’s Cricket World Cup.





Get the latest WPL 2026 updates including WPL teams, full WPL 2026 schedule, and live scores for Mumbai Indians, Royal Challengers Bengaluru, UP Warriorz, Gujarat Giants, and Delhi Capitals. Also check the latest WPL Orange Cap and Purple Cap standings.