Molineux Sophie becomes Australia’s first woman to captain all three formats of international cricket, beginning with the home series against India in February. Molineux’s appointment also means that Healy, one of the most successful women’s sporting teams in the world, will lead the team to a new era.
The announcement also coincided with the Australia women’s tour to India in mid-February for a T20 tri-series, three ODIs, and one Test. Healy’s departure will mark the closing of a significant chapter in Australia’s women’s cricket.
One of the most, if not the most, influential Australian women cricketers, Healy, passed the baton with confidence. Molineux, 28, is a left arm orthodox spinner and all-rounder from Victoria. Molineux stated, “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.”
She has voiced her opinions on the capability and serenity of the team. Molineux further remarked, “This group is such a strong one with many natural leaders. I’m excited to work with everyone to develop and challenge ourselves to the next level while keeping the identity that makes this team so great.” Molineux takes over the captaincy at a pivotal moment for Australia as the country enters a high-pressure period in cricket. Molineux’s first assignment in her new role is the T20 Internationals section of the Australia vs India women’s series, which kicks off on February 15 at the Sydney Cricket Ground. She will then lead the side in the white-ball matches of the series before Healy resumes the reins for her last ODI and Test matches on the tour.
Molineux has encountered several difficulties due to injuries, yet selectors from Cricket Australia continue to believe in her. The all-rounder has been absent from Australia’s T20I and Test cricket since 2024, as she has had to slowly reintegrate herself following her knee surgery and had a limited participation in the 2025 ODI World Cup. Molineux also recently missed an entire season of the Women’s Big Bash League (WBBL) with the Melbourne Renegades.
Wherever she went, or whatever she did, she was noticed for her leadership, and her ability to lead from the front, even from a national competition level. Molineux broke the bidding as well for being the most recent Captain of the Melbourne Renegades for the 2024/25 season. This further strengthened her leadership credentials as someone who can steer success at the highest level, and thus, she was rewarded by Cricket Australia with the national team captaincy.
With Molineux’s elevation to the national captaincy, there has been a highly visible and articulated pathway to leadership. In addition, Tahlia McGrath, Australia’s all-format vice-captain, will also continue to hold that position, so from a leadership perspective, there is continuity, which is critical. McGrath is also a very strong contender for that position, and she has been named second vice-captain. This also further strengthens the leadership team, as well as the tactical support available.
National selector Shawn Flegler pointed out the leaders and the experience within the group, which confirmed the trust he has with the top structure. He acknowledged Molineux’s injury history, but was confident that her workload would be managed accordingly, and that she would be fine in due course.
Flegler said, “Considering the injury issues she has faced over the past couple of seasons, we will continue to manage Sophie’s workload, and we will concentrate on fine-tuning for the key tournaments and important senior international matches.”
While discussing the transition of leadership, she also mentioned Healy’s retirement. Healy, Australia’s first-choice wicketkeeper batter, will retire after the series against India. Healy has had an excellent international career for 16 years, which includes multiple titles in the ICC Women’s World Cup and the T20 World Cup, winning 6 times. Healy has been a great contributor to Australia’s domination in the world’s highest position in women’s cricket.
Besides the captaincy change, Cricket Australia announced several changes to squad selection for the India series. Leg-spin bowler Alana King will not be in the T20I squad after a disappointing season in the WBBL. On the other hand, allrounder Nicola Carey has been included in both white-ball squads after performing well at the domestic and franchise levels. These selections indicate that the selectors are looking to balance the experience and fitness of the squad to meet the challenges of the upcoming year.
Along with seasoned bowler Megan Schutt, Australia’s frontline bowler, will not be in the 50-over squad. That means Australia will be without their leading attack bowlers.
Schutt will likely have played her last ODI for Australia. The other way around, 19-year-old left-armer seamer Lucy Hamilton is one of the players in the Test squad, which indicates a change in the team balance.
On the one hand, Molineux’s first series as captain is a challenge, and on the other, it’s an opportunity. Molineux will have to deal with one of the best women’s teams across all formats. India has done well in the ICC tournaments of late and will be looking to build on that success in the Australia series. For Australia, there is a new captain with new plans, and this will be closely scrutinised by fans and experts as Australia look to keep the number one rank in women’s cricket.