Sophie Molineux’s name is on Australia’s World Cup list again, and that is the detail most supporters were waiting for. The left-arm spinner has not played since knee surgery late last year, but national selectors believe she will be ready once the tournament proper begins in India and Sri Lanka next month.
“Sophie Molineux is progressing well in her return from a knee injury, and we anticipate she’ll be available for the World Cup,” Australia physio Kate Beerworth said. The medical bulletin also brought good news on leg-spinner Georgia Wareham, who left the Hundred with an adductor strain but is “back to full training”.
Australia’s 15 contains no real curve-balls. Alyssa Healy captains, fresh from that 137 not out against India A, while Grace Harris keeps the final batting post and Georgia Voll completes a swift rise by making her first 50-over World Cup party. The pair join Molineux, Wareham, Phoebe Litchfield and Kim Garth as first-timers at the event.
Selector Shawn Flegler likes the balance. “A World Cup in India is one of cricket’s biggest assignments, but we believe this group is up for the challenge,” he said. “The valuable experience the squad has gained from several sub-continent tours in recent years, as well as exposure through the Women’s Premier League will be beneficial in tackling the unique demands of Indian conditions.
“The extended nature of an ODI World Cup can be a challenge, and we believe this group has the depth and versatility to meet those demands.”
Conditions will steer many Australian plans. With spin expected to dominate through October, the combination of Molineux’s left-arm angle, Wareham’s leg-spin and Alana King’s overs gives Healy three contrasting slow-bowling options. Ash Gardner’s off-spin provides a fourth, while Darcie Brown, Megan Schutt and Annabel Sutherland headline the seam unit.
Before the tournament Australia play three ODIs against India. Molineux might sit those out if her rehab drags into late September, but uncapped pair Nicole Faltum and Charli Knott will travel for that short series before heading home for WNCL duties.
Australia enter as defending champions after lifting the trophy in New Zealand in 2022, a campaign driven by Alyssa Healy’s 170 in the final. Passing on that experience to the new faces is part of the job this time.
Squad: Alyssa Healy (capt), Darcie Brown, Ashleigh Gardner, Kim Garth, Grace Harris, Alana King, Phoebe Litchfield, Tahlia McGrath, Sophie Molineux, Beth Mooney, Ellyse Perry, Megan Schutt, Annabel Sutherland, Georgia Voll, Georgia Wareham.
Travelling reserves for India ODIs: Nicole Faltum, Charli Knott.
A familiar group, then, but one refreshed by youth and, crucially, buoyed by news that Molineux should be back in time for the big stage.
