Phoebe Litchfield ruled out of 3rd ODI vs Bangladesh with hip strain
Synopsis
Phoebe Litchfield's low-grade hip strain — picked up during a 71-run knock — has not only forced her out of the third ODI against Bangladesh but threatens her participation in Australia's T20I series against New Zealand. With Sophie Molineux and Lucy Hamilton also sidelined, Australia are managing a worrying injury cluster heading into a busy T20 stretch.
Key Takeaways
Phoebe Litchfield has been ruled out of the third ODI against Bangladesh at Allan Border Field with a low-grade hip muscle strain.
The injury was sustained during her innings of 71 in the second ODI on Sunday.
Her availability for the T20I series against New Zealand , starting Sunday, is also in doubt.
Nicola Carey replaced her in the XI; Beth Mooney was promoted to open the batting.
Australia are already managing injuries to Sophie Molineux (hip) and Lucy Hamilton (quad), leaving only 12 players for the ODI series.
Beth Mooney is playing her 100th ODI in the third match, a milestone recognised by batting coach Dan Marsh .
Australia opener Phoebe Litchfield has been ruled out of the third and final ODI against Bangladesh at Allan Border Field, Queensland, after sustaining a low-grade hip muscle strain. The injury, picked up during her innings of 71 in Sunday's second ODI, also casts doubt over her availability for the upcoming T20I series against New Zealand, which begins on Sunday.
Injury Details and Squad Changes
The 23-year-old left-hander's condition was described as a 'hip complaint' by Australia stand-in captain Tahlia McGrath at the toss. Allrounder Nicola Carey has been drafted into the playing XI for her first appearance in the three-match ODI series. Wicketkeeper-batter Beth Mooney has been promoted to open the innings in Litchfield's absence.
To shore up the squad further, Grace Harris has travelled to Brisbane as cover. She will return to Brisbane Heat's T20 Spring Challenge campaign on Thursday, having missed selection for Australia's T20I squad.
Australia's Already-Stretched Squad
The injury setback compounds what has already been a difficult period for Australian women's cricket management. The hosts entered the Bangladesh ODI series with only 12 players available, following separate injury concerns — Sophie Molineux with a hip issue and Lucy Hamilton recovering from a quad injury. Litchfield's strain now adds a third fitness concern to the mix at a critical juncture in the international calendar.
Series Dominance Despite Disruptions
The injury troubles have done little to dim Australia's on-field performance. They have already secured an unassailable 2-0 lead in the three-match series, winning the opening ODI by seven wickets and the second by nine wickets. A win in the third ODI would seal a clean sweep against Bangladesh.
Notably, this is the third successive ODI series in which Australia have entered the deciding match without at least one key player due to injury, underlining the physical toll of a packed international schedule.
Mooney's 100th ODI Milestone
The third ODI carries a special significance beyond the series result. Beth Mooney is playing her 100th match in the format, a milestone acknowledged by the Australian squad ahead of the toss. Batting coach Dan Marsh publicly recognised her contribution to the team, marking the occasion before the game.
What's Next for Litchfield
With the first T20I against New Zealand scheduled for Sunday, Litchfield's recovery timeline is now the central concern for Australia's team management. A low-grade muscle strain typically requires a minimum of several days' rest, making her availability for the series opener uncertain. Should she fail to recover in time, Australia will need to restructure their top order for the T20I campaign as well.
Point of View
And now their most dynamic top-order batter is also at risk for the T20I stretch. The deeper concern is structural: unlike the men's game, the women's circuit lacks the squad depth to absorb multiple simultaneous injuries without visibly compromising team selection. If this pattern persists, the scheduling model, not the players, needs to be scrutinised.
NationPress
14 Oct 2026
Frequently Asked Questions
Why was Phoebe Litchfield ruled out of the 3rd ODI against Bangladesh?
Litchfield sustained a low-grade hip muscle strain during her innings of 71 in the second ODI on Sunday. The injury was significant enough to keep her out of the third and final ODI at Allan Border Field, Queensland.
Is Phoebe Litchfield's availability for the T20I series against New Zealand in doubt?
Yes, her participation in the T20I series against New Zealand — beginning Sunday — is uncertain. Given the quick turnaround after the final ODI, team management is closely monitoring her recovery.
Who replaced Litchfield in Australia's playing XI for the 3rd ODI?
Allrounder Nicola Carey was brought into the XI for her first appearance in the three-match ODI series. Wicketkeeper-batter Beth Mooney was promoted to open the batting in Litchfield's place.
How many players were unavailable for Australia in the Bangladesh ODI series?
Australia had only 12 players available for the Bangladesh ODIs, with Sophie Molineux sidelined by a hip issue and Lucy Hamilton recovering from a quad injury — even before Litchfield's strain.
What milestone is Beth Mooney marking in the 3rd ODI against Bangladesh?
Beth Mooney is playing her 100th ODI in the third match against Bangladesh. The milestone was publicly acknowledged by batting coach Dan Marsh ahead of the toss.
