New Delhi: The left-arm spinner Sophie Molineux is set to be named as Australia Women’s new all-format captain. According to a Cricbuzz report, the 28-year-old has emerged as a leading contender to lead Australia ahead of all-rounder Tahila McGrath.
Earlier this month, the wicketkeeper batter Alyssa Healy announced her retirement from all formats after the upcoming home series against India in February and March. Healy will not be part of the T20I series, allowing the side more time to settle in ahead of the Women’s 2026 T20 World Cup, which is scheduled to be played in England and Wales.
The official announcement of Molineux’s appointment is expected soon, with Cricket Australia set to announce the squads for the multi-format series against India, which will begin on February 15.
Molineux’s remarkable journey
Molineux was not part of the Australia’s 2022 Ashes victory as she was battling a stress fracture. She was also sidelined from Australia’s ODI World Cup victory and a historic Commonwealth Games gold medal.
After making a comeback, she captained Melbourne Renegades to their maiden WBBL title, taking 16 wickets in the season. She also won WPL title with Royal Challengers Bengaluru (RCB) in that year, claiming 12 wickets. The spinner had spent more time on the sidelines due to recurring knee troubled, which also ruled her out of the WPL 2025 and the Ashes.
Molineux made a return to the national side ahead of the 2025 ODI World Cup in India, but didn’t played all matches due to workload management from injury. McGrath, who was the vice-captain during Alyssa Healy’s tenure, has been in poor form recently which is also the possible reason she was overlooked.
She scored just 55 runs in four innings of the ODI World Cup, and amassed just 98 runs in the nine innings of the Women’s Big Bash League. She only took five wickets in the competition. McGrath has a perfect record as Australia’s captain, wining six out of six matches. She also captained the national side in nine T20I matches and won eight.