Healy is scheduled to later in the summer, and the left-arm spinner will formally take over as captain for the T20I phase of the forthcoming home multi-format series against India. This announcement came after Healy decided to retire from international cricket following the India series earlier this month.
Australia has taken swift action to choose a new leader, with the T20 only a few months away. Speaking following his appointment as captain, Molineux acknowledged the burden of taking over for one of the game’s most important players.
“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. 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.
Ashleigh Gardner has been upgraded to second vice-captain, while Molineux has been promoted ahead of vice-captain Tahlia McGrath, who will continue in her position. As the team gets ready for a post-Healy era and a busy international schedule, the transfer fortifies Australia’s core leadership.
Tahlia McGrath’s Captaincy Snub Raises Eyebrows
Given her stellar record as a stand-in captain, McGrath’s exclusion from the top position has drawn criticism. Selectors seem to have considered leadership qualifications in addition to current on-field performance. Despite having an outstanding record as a captain in all formats, McGrath had a challenging ODI World Cup and a weak WBBL campaign afterwards, which may have worked against her.
The appointment of Molineux is likewise a deliberate gamble. Due to persistent injuries, the 28-year-old Victorian has not participated in T20I or Test cricket since 2024. She did not finish a full WBBL season and was closely supervised throughout the ODI World Cup. However, her home success turned out to be crucial. She demonstrated her leadership abilities as captain of the Melbourne Renegades by guiding the team to a much-needed WBBL championship in 2024-2025.
Given Molineux’s history of injuries, national selector Shawn Flegler emphasised that her workload will be strictly watched.
“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. Ash Gardner has been elevated to vice-captain alongside Tahlia, strengthening the team’s leadership group,” Flegler said.
Before Healy returns to command the ODI and Test legs of her farewell series, Molineux will skipper Australia in the three T20Is against India. After that, she will take full-time command of all formats during the Caribbean tour and the T20 World Cup in England, capping an incredible return that has put her in charge of Australian cricket.