All-rounder to succeed Alyssa Healy in all three formats

Victorian all-rounder Sophie Molineux has been appointed the captain of Australia’s women’s teams, beating several high-profile stars for the top job.

Molineux will succeed the retiring Alyssa Healy in all three formats, beginning with the Twenty20 series against India. Healy, with Molineux as deputy, will lead the team in the one-day internationals and one-off Test against India before bowing out.

Molineux, a left-arm finger-spinning all-rounder, has beaten superstars Ash Gardner and Annabel Sutherland for the role. Gardner has been promoted to vice captain alongside all-rounder Tahlia McGrath, who remains the second in charge.

A surprise selection as skipper, Molineux cut her teeth as a leader with the Melbourne Renegades in the WBBL.

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Molineux has had a troubled run with injuries, missing World Cups and Ashes campaigns, but was a regular in the XI when available.

“Sophie is an outstanding leader and we are thrilled for her to take on the role,” Cricket Australia’s head of women’s cricket Shawn Flegler said.

“Sophie is highly respected within Australian cricket, and her resilience, composure and proven domestic leadership makes her the right person to lead the team into a new era.

“We will continue to manage Sophie’s workload, prioritising key tournaments and major international series following injury challenges in recent seasons.

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“Tahlia McGrath remains vice captain, recognising her significant leadership contribution under Alyssa Healy. Tahlia has acted as stand-in captain on 16 occasions across formats, providing consistency and stability.

“Ash Gardner has been elevated to vice captain alongside Tahlia, strengthening the team’s leadership group. Ash and Tahlia provide complimentary skills in support of Sophie and are also both capable of leading the team as stand-in captain if required.”

Molineux takes over an Australian team that does not hold a World Cup title in the 50-over or Twenty20 formats.

“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,” Molineux said.

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“We’ve got a really strong group with plenty of natural leaders, alongside a lot of exciting talent coming through, and I’m really looking forward to working together as we keep evolving and pushing ourselves to the next level, while staying true to the identity that makes this team so special.

“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.”

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