Australia captain Sophie Molineux has been declared fit and included in the squad for the upcoming T20 World Cup. The 28-year-old all-rounder will lead a 15-player team in England, with Ash Gardner and Tahlia McGrath serving as vice-captains.
Fast bowler Lucy Hamilton has earned her first major tournament call-up as the six-time champions aim to reclaim the World Cup title after their semi-final exit in 2024. All-rounders Annabel Sutherland and Grace Harris return to the side, having been rested and dropped respectively during the tour of the West Indies in March.
Molineux was named Australia 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 overseas assignment as skipper, where she featured solely as a batter.
Australia’s national selector Shawn Flegler had previously stated that Molineux would not have been considered for a non-bowling role at the World Cup. “Sophie has already made her mark as captain and built a strong connection with the group over the last couple of tours, so we’re looking forward to seeing what this side can achieve under her leadership,” Flegler said upon the squad announcement.
“Darcie Brown was unlucky to miss out, but the decision was based on the conditions we’re expecting and the make-up of the side. With at least six right-arm pace options in the mix and raw pace expected to be less effective, we opted to go with Lucy Hamilton, who offers something different as a left-arm quick.”
Australia will play warm-up matches against South Africa, England, and the West Indies before opening their tournament campaign against South Africa on 13 June at Old Trafford.
**Australia squad for T20 World Cup:** 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.
