Molineux Returns as Australia Announce Squad for Women’s ODI World Cup

Molineux Returns as Australia Announce Squad for Women’s ODI World Cup

Sophie Molineux is on course to return from injury in time for the Women’s ODI World Cup, after being named in Australia’s 15-player squad for the tournament to be held in India and Sri Lanka. The defending champions have named a well-balanced squad, led by Alyssa Healy, with no major surprises.

Molineux, the left-arm spinner, has been sidelined since late 2024 after undergoing knee surgery, but team physio Kate Beerworth confirmed her recovery is progressing well.

“We anticipate she’ll be available for the World Cup,” Beerworth said. “She’s tracking nicely in her return from injury.”

Molineux may, however, miss the ODI series against India that precedes the tournament, as Australia manages her workload carefully.

Meanwhile, legspinner Georgia Wareham, who returned home early from The Hundred due to an adductor injury, is also fully fit and ready for the World Cup. Both bowlers will be crucial on the spin-friendly tracks expected in the subcontinent.

Healy Returns to Lead Title Defence

Alyssa Healy, who recently returned from a foot injury, will captain the side and is expected to take the gloves throughout the tournament. She signaled her return to form with a stunning 137 not out off 85 balls against India A last month.

“She knows her body well,” said Shawn Flegler, national selector. “With the breaks between games and a strong support staff, we’re confident she’ll be able to manage the schedule.”

Experience and Youth in Spin-Heavy Squad

The squad features a mix of youth and experience, with five players — Molineux, Wareham, Georgia Voll, Kim Garth, and Phoebe Litchfield — set for their first appearance at a 50-over World Cup.

Grace Harris has also been included, offering power-hitting depth in the middle order. Although she has only played two ODIs since 2016, selectors believe her aggressive style and experience in Indian conditions make her a valuable asset.

“She can take a game away in a few overs,” Flegler said. “She brings a different dynamic to the middle order.”

Preparation for Unfamiliar Conditions

With several venues in India and Sri Lanka having never hosted women’s internationals, Australia's preparation has leaned heavily on data from the men’s game. Head coach Shelley Nitschke has been working with the men’s team analyst Tom Body to gather insights.

“There’s some grounds with no women’s cricket history, so we’ve used men’s data,” Flegler explained. “But we’re confident this squad can adapt to spinning wickets, flat decks, or any pace-friendly conditions.”

The squad will be supplemented by uncapped players Nicole Faltum and Charli Knott for the three-match ODI series against India ahead of the tournament. Both will return home afterward to participate in the WNCL season.

Aiming for Back-to-Back Titles

Australia will begin their World Cup campaign against New Zealand in Indore on October 1. Having lifted the trophy in New Zealand in 2022, they now aim to defend their title on the challenging subcontinental tracks.

“A World Cup in India is one of cricket's biggest assignments,” Flegler said. “But we believe this group has the depth, experience, and versatility to rise to the challenge.”

Australia’s Squad for the Women’s ODI World Cup 2025:

  • Alyssa Healy (capt)

  • Darcie Brown

  • Ashleigh Gardner

  • Kim Garth

  • Grace Harris

  • Alana King

  • Phoebe Litchfield

  • Tahlia McGrath

  • Sophie Molineux

  • Beth Mooney

  • Ellyse Perry

  • Megan Schutt

  • Annabel Sutherland

  • Georgia Voll

  • Georgia Wareham

First Match: vs New Zealand
Date: October 1, 2025
Venue: Indore, India