Melbourne, Jan 29 (.) Sophie Molineux was on Thursday named Australia’s new all-format women’s cricket captain, succeeding Alyssa Healy in a leadership transition confirmed by Cricket Australia.
The 28-year-old left-arm spinner will take charge of the world’s most successful women’s team across formats, with her first assignment being the upcoming multi-format home series against India starting February 15. The appointment comes with the ICC Women’s T20 World Cup scheduled for June.
Molineux, who made her international debut in March 2018, has been a key contributor to Australia’s white-ball dominance and was part of the ICC Women’s T20 World Cup-winning squads in 2018 and 2020. Over the last eight years, she has represented Australia in three Tests, 17 ODIs, and 38 T20Is.
“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 and exciting talent coming through, and I’m looking forward to working together as we keep pushing ourselves to the next level,” she added.
Tahlia McGrath will continue as vice-captain, with star all-rounder Ashleigh Gardner elevated to the role alongside her to strengthen the leadership group.
Australia selector Shawn Flegler said Molineux’s resilience, composure, and leadership experience made her the right choice to lead the team into a new era.
“Sophie is highly respected within Australian cricket, and her proven domestic leadership makes her the right person for the role,” Flegler said, adding that her workload would be carefully managed following injury challenges in recent seasons.
Molineux has previously captained Victoria and the Women’s Big Bash League side Melbourne Renegades.
Despite early success, her career has been marked by injury setbacks, including prolonged absences due to foot and knee injuries that ruled her out of major triumphs in 2022 and the Ashes in 2025. She has since fought her way back into contention.
Meanwhile, Alyssa Healy, one of Australia’s most decorated cricketers, will retire from international cricket following the upcoming series against India. Healy, who has led Australia to numerous titles, will continue to captain the side in the ODIs and the one-off Test as Molineux settles into her new role.
Healy has been part of eight World Cup-winning teams, including ODI titles in 2018 and 2022 and T20 World Cup wins spanning 2010 to 2023.
Cricket Australia also announced the squads for the India series, with all-rounder Nicola Carey recalled to the white-ball teams and youngster Lucy Hamilton named in the Test squad. Veteran seamer Megan Schutt was omitted from the ODI squad following Australia’s disappointing campaign at last year’s ICC Women’s Cricket World Cup.
Australia will host India across T20Is, ODIs, and a one-off Test as preparations intensify ahead of the Women’s T20 World Cup later this year.
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