Australia have confirmed Sophie Molineux as Alyssa Healy’s long-term successor across all three formats, marking a major leadership transition in the women’s setup. The left-arm spinner will officially begin her captaincy tenure in the T20I leg of the upcoming home multi-format series against India, with Healy set to bow out later in the summer.
The announcement follows Healy’s decision earlier this month to retire from international cricket after the India series. With the T20 World Cup just months away, Australia have moved quickly to install a new leader. Speaking 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 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.
“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,” she added.
Molineux has been promoted ahead of vice-captain Tahlia McGrath, who will retain her role, while Ashleigh Gardner has been elevated as a second vice-captain. The move strengthens Australia’s leadership core as the team prepares for a post-Healy era and a packed international calendar.
Why not Tahlia McGrath?
McGrath’s omission from the top role has raised eyebrows, especially given her strong record as stand-in captain. However, selectors appear to have weighed recent on-field form alongside leadership credentials. McGrath endured a difficult ODI World Cup and followed it 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 managed carefully during the ODI World Cup and did not complete a full WBBL season. Yet, her success at domestic level proved decisive. As captain of the Melbourne Renegades, she led the franchise to a long-awaited WBBL title in 2024–25, underlining her leadership credentials.
National selector Shawn Flegler stressed that Molineux’s workload will be closely monitored given her injury history.
“We will continue to manage Sophie’s workload, prioritising key tournaments and major international series following injury challenges in recent seasons,” Flegler said.
“Tahlia McGrath remains vice-captain, recognising her significant leadership contribution under Alyssa Healy Ash Gardner has been elevated to vice-captain alongside Tahlia, strengthening the team’s leadership group.”
Molineux will lead Australia in the three T20Is against India before Healy returns to captain the ODI and Test legs of her farewell series. She will then assume full-time control across formats on the Caribbean tour and into the T20 World Cup in England, completing a remarkable comeback journey that now places her at the helm of Australian cricket.
AUSW vs INDW: Australia all squads
Australia T20I squad: 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
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
– Ends
