Melbourne, Jan 29 (NationPress) Sophie Molineux has been officially named as the captain of the Australian Women’s Team, succeeding Alyssa Healy, who is set to retire from all formats in March, as announced by Cricket Australia on Thursday.

Since her international debut in March 2018, Molineux has played a crucial role in Australia's white-ball achievements. She was a part of the victorious squads in the ICC Women's T20 World Cup in both 2018 and 2020. Over the past eight years, she has participated in three Tests, 17 ODIs, and 38 T20Is for Australia.

The 28-year-old left-arm spinner will make her debut as national captain in three T20Is during the forthcoming multi-format Women’s International Series against India, which kicks off on February 15.

“Being named the captain of Australia is a significant honor and something I hold in great pride, especially following Alyssa, who has made a tremendous impact on this team and the sport,” Molineux stated.

“We have a robust group with numerous natural leaders and a wealth of exciting talent emerging, and I am eager to collaborate with everyone as we continue to evolve and challenge ourselves to reach new heights while remaining true to the identity that makes this team unique,” she added.

“I am profoundly thankful for the confidence placed in me, and I am enthusiastic about growing alongside this group of players and discovering what we can achieve together with Tahlia, Ash, and the rest of the team,” Molineux continued.

Meanwhile, Healy will lead Australia for the final time during the three ODIs and a Test match, with Molineux serving as her deputy. All-rounder Ashleigh Gardner has been appointed vice-captain alongside Tahlia McGrath across all formats.

“Sophie is an exceptional leader, and we are delighted for her to assume this role. She is highly regarded in Australian cricket, and her resilience, composure, and proven domestic leadership make her the ideal choice to guide the team into a new era,” commented National Selector Shawn Flegler.

“We will continue to manage Sophie’s workload, focusing on key tournaments and significant international series considering her injury challenges in the past seasons,” Flegler added.

“Tahlia McGrath remains vice-captain, acknowledging her substantial leadership contributions under Alyssa Healy. Tahlia has stepped in as captain 16 times across formats, providing consistency and stability.

“Ash Gardner has been promoted to vice-captain alongside Tahlia, enhancing the leadership team. Both Ash and Tahlia complement Sophie’s leadership and can also serve as stand-in captains if needed,” he explained.

The Australian squads have been announced to face India next month, including a Governor-General’s XI to play against the visitors prior to the series.

All-rounder Nicola Carey is set to play her first international match since 2022, while left-arm quick Lucy Hamilton has earned her first call-up to the Australian squad.

“Nicola has demonstrated impressive performances in domestic cricket and has excelled overseas in both England and India. She is an experienced player with a strong skill set, and this will be her chance to showcase those skills as we prepare for the T20 World Cup.

“Lucy is an exciting left-arm fast bowler who brings a unique style to the game. She has diligently honed her skills over the past few years, and we believe she has a promising future while gaining valuable experience in this environment,” Flegler noted.

Leg-spinner Alana King has been left out of the T20 squad, with Megan Schutt also missing out on selection for the ODI side.

“The decision regarding Megan was challenging; however, when at her best, she remains a vital part of the team, especially with the T20 World Cup approaching,” Flegler said.

Despite being sidelined for the remainder of the Women's Premier League season due to a quad injury, Phoebe Litchfield has been included in all three squads.

The Governor-General’s XI match will feature some of Australia’s most promising domestic talents facing the one-day World Champions in a T20 match under lights at North Sydney Oval.

The team will be captained by Queensland’s Charli Knott and includes Australian Defence Force cricketer, Corporal Frances Whittaker, along with Australian players Tess Flintoff, Kim Garth, Alana King, and Georgia Voll.

A member of the Royal Australian Air Force, Whittaker is both a wicketkeeper and a top-order batter, and her selection continues a longstanding association with the Australian Defence Force, allowing eligible serving personnel to participate in this annual fixture.

“This multi-format series will serve as a critical test across all formats and is a vital part of our preparation as we look toward the ICC Women’s T20 World Cup in England this June,” Flegler concluded.

Australia ODI squad: Alyssa Healy (c), Sophie Molineux (vc), Darcie Brown, Nicola Carey, Ashleigh Gardner, Kim Garth, Alana King, Phoebe Litchfield, Beth Mooney, Tahlia McGrath, Ellyse Perry, Annabel Sutherland, Georgia Voll, Georgia Wareham

Australia Test squad: Alyssa Healy (c), Sophie Molineux (vc), Darcie Brown, Ashleigh Gardner, Kim Garth, Lucy Hamilton, Alana King, Phoebe Litchfield, Beth Mooney, Tahlia McGrath, Ellyse Perry, Annabel Sutherland, Georgia Voll, Georgia Wareham