Australia have confirmed Sophie Molineux as Alyssa Healy’s long-term successor in all three formats, marking a major change in leadership in the women’s squad. The left-hander will officially begin her tenure as captain in the upcoming T20I home multi-format series against India, with Healy bowing out later in the summer.
An announcement follows Healy’s decision to retire from international cricket earlier this month after the India series. With the T20 World Cup just months away, Australia have been quick to install a new leader. After being named captain, Molineux acknowledged the responsibility that comes with replacing one of the most influential figures in the game.
“It’s a real honor to be named Australian captain and I’m incredibly proud, especially of Alyssa who has had such a huge impact on this team and the game,” Molineux said.
“I’m incredibly grateful for the trust 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,” she added.
Molineux have been promoted ahead of vice-captain Tahlia McGrath, who will retain her role, while Ashleigh Gardner has been promoted to second vice-captain. The move strengthens Australia’s leadership core as the team prepares for a post-Healy era and a busy international calendar.
Why not Tahlia McGrath?
McGrath’s omission of a starring role has raised eyebrows, particularly given her strong record as a stand-in captain. However, the selectors appear to have weighed recent on-field form alongside leadership credentials. McGrath endured a difficult ODI World Cup and followed it up with a modest WBBL campaign, factors that may have worked against her despite her impressive captaincy record across formats.
Molineux’s appointment is also a calculated risk. The 28-year-old Victorian has battled recurring injuries and has not played T20I or Test cricket since 2024. She was carefully managed during the ODI World Cup and did not complete the entire WBBL season. Still, her success at domestic level proved decisive. As captain of the Melbourne Renegades, she led the franchise to the long-awaited WBBL title in 2024-25, underscoring her leadership position.
National selector Shawn Flegler stressed that Molineux’s workload will be closely monitored given her injuries.
“We will continue to manage Sophie’s workload, prioritizing key tournaments and major international series after her injury problems in recent seasons,” Flegler said.
“Tahlia McGrath remains vice-captain and recognizes her significant leadership contribution under Alyssa Healy. Ash Gardner has been promoted to vice-captain alongside Tahlia, strengthening the team’s leadership group.”
Molineux will lead Australia in three T20Is against India before Healy returns to captain the ODIs and Tests of her farewell series. She will then take full control across formats on the Caribbean tour and the T20 World Cup in England, completing a remarkable comeback journey that now places her at the forefront of Australian cricket.
AUSW vs INDW: Australia All Teams
Australia T20I Team: Sophie Molineux (c), Ashleigh Gardner (vc), Tahlia McGrath (vc), Darcie Brown, Nicola Carey, Kim Garth, Grace Harris, Phoebe Litchfield, Beth Mooney, Ellyse Perry, Megan Schutt, Annabel Sutherland, Georgia Voll, Georgia Wareham
Australian ODI team: 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
Test Team Australia: 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
– The end
Issued by:
Debodinna Chakraborty
Published on:
January 29, 2026
