Former Royal Challengers Bengaluru star Sophie Molineux has been named Australia Women’s Cricket team’s new all format captain. The decision comes after Alyssa Healy, the current captain, announced earlier this month that she will retire after the series against India. Molineux, who is not a part of Women’s Premier League (WPL 2026) has been picked as captain ahead of Tahila McGrath and Ashleigh Gardner.
Sophie Molineux is Australia’s new 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. 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,” Molineux said.
Sophie was last seen in action for Australia in October 2025 against India. She hasn’t played a Test or T20I since 2024 due to a knee injury. The injury also resulted in her not playing a full season of the Women’s Big Bash League. As per reports, Molineux will lead Australia in three T20Is against India before Healy returns as captain for one last time in the ODI series and the one-off Test. Cricket Australia selector Shawn Flegler explained the rationale behind naming Sophie as the new all-format captain and stressed that he workoad will continue to be closely managed.
“We will continue to manage Sophie’s workload, prioritising key tournaments and major international series following injury challenges in recent seasons. Tahlia McGrath remains vice-captain, recognising her significant leadership contribution under Alyssa Healy. Tahlia has acted as stand-in captain on 16 occasions across formats, providing consistency and stability. Ash Gardner has been elevated to vice-captain alongside Tahlia, strengthening the team’s leadership group,” Flegler said.
Australia T20 squad
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
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
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