Georgia Voll Remains in Australia’s Lineup as Sophie Molineux Exits Women’s Ashes Due to Knee Surgery

Melbourne, Dec 28 (NationPress) Batter Georgia Voll has successfully maintained her position in Australia’s squad for the upcoming Women’s Ashes, but left-arm spin all-rounder Sophie Molineux has been sidelined due to a left knee injury that necessitates surgery.

Sophie previously missed Australia’s ODI tour of New Zealand due to a knee issue, which worsened during their 3-0 home series victory over India. “Sophie Molineux will undergo left knee surgery next month, and we will provide additional updates regarding her expected return date,” stated Kate Beerworth, the physiotherapist for the Australian women’s team.

Australia’s spin-bowling responsibilities will now fall to off-spin all-rounder Ashleigh Gardner and leg-spinners Georgia Wareham and Alana King, while there remains no place for left-arm spinner Jess Jonassen.

The Australian squad consists of 13 players for the first three ODIs, with all-rounder Grace Harris set to join the team for the subsequent three T20Is. Australia will announce its Test squad prior to the historic Day-Night Test match at the MCG, commencing on January 30 - marking the first of its kind at the venue and the first women's Test match at the MCG since 1948-49.

Georgia’s inclusion in the squad follows her impressive start to her international career against India, where she scored 173 runs in three matches, including a century in Brisbane, stepping in for the injured captain Alyssa Healy, who has since returned as a specialist batter.

“We are pleased with the team’s performance in the recent series against India and New Zealand and are confident in our balanced squad’s ability to retain the Ashes. It was encouraging to see Alyssa Healy back in action against New Zealand, showcasing good form, alongside several batters who have maintained their strong performance from the recent series against India,” said Shawn Flegler, Cricket Australia’s Head of Performance (Women’s Cricket) and National Selector.

“Although Georgia Voll did not play against New Zealand, she has made an outstanding start to her international journey and will be a significant asset with the bat if needed in her debut Ashes series.”

“The bowling group offers a great variety, which will be crucial against a formidable England batting lineup. The Ashes is always a fierce competition between the top two ranked teams globally, and this series will be no exception,” added Shawn Flegler.

In the multi-format Women’s Ashes series, teams earn two points for each ODI and T20I victory, while a Test win is valued at four points. In the event of a draw, points are shared. The team with the highest points total at the end of the series will be crowned the Ashes champions. Australia has held the Ashes since retaining the trophy in 2015.

The upcoming Women’s Ashes will commence with three ODIs in Sydney, Melbourne, and Hobart from January 11-16. This will be followed by three T20Is in Sydney, Canberra, and Adelaide from January 20-25, culminating in a four-day Test from January 30 to February 2 at the MCG.

Australia squad: Alyssa Healy, Darcie Brown, Ashleigh Gardner, Kim Garth, Grace Harris, Alana King, Phoebe Litchfield, Tahlia McGrath, Beth Mooney, Ellyse Perry, Megan Schutt, Annabel Sutherland, Georgia Voll, and Georgia Wareham.