Australia Women announce squads for multi-format India series; Healy to lead ODIs, Test in final assignment

Cricket Australia has officially announced the Australia Women’s squads for the upcoming multi-format home series against India, featuring three T20Is, three ODIs, and a one-off Test match. The much-anticipated tour will begin in mid-February and conclude with a red-ball encounter in early March.

The T20I matches are scheduled for February 15, 19, and 21, followed by ODIs on February 24, February 27, and March 1. The only Test match of the series will commence on March 6, marking a key moment in the Women’s international calendar.

Sophie Molineux named all-format captain; Healy to lead ODIs and Test

In a significant leadership transition, Sophie Molineux has been named Australia Women’s new all-format captain. She will begin her captaincy tenure during the T20I leg of the series. However, Alyssa Healy will take over leadership duties for the ODIs and the Test match, which Cricket Australia has confirmed will be the final assignment of her illustrious international career.

The move signals a carefully planned succession strategy as Australia balances experience with long-term leadership development.

Squad composition highlights depth and balance

The T20I squad includes experienced campaigners such as Beth Mooney, Ellyse Perry, Grace Harris, Megan Schutt, and emerging talents like Georgia Voll. The ODI and Test squads see the return of Phoebe Litchfield, Lucy Hamilton, and the inclusion of spin options such as Alana King, ensuring balance across formats.

Selector Shawn Flegler on captaincy transition

Australia’s national selector Shawn Flegler spoke about the rationale behind Molineux’s appointment and workload management.

“We will continue to manage Sophie’s workload carefully, prioritising key tournaments and major international series following injury challenges in recent seasons,” Flegler said, as quoted by ESPNcricinfo.

He also reaffirmed Tahlia McGrath’s role as vice-captain, highlighting her leadership experience.

“Tahlia has acted as stand-in captain on 16 occasions across formats, providing consistency and stability,” he added.

Full Australia Women’s squads

T20I squad:
Darcie Brown, Nicola Carey, Ashleigh Gardner, Kim Garth, Grace Harris, Phoebe Litchfield, Tahlia McGrath (vc), Sophie Molineux (c), Beth Mooney, Ellyse Perry, Megan Schutt, Annabel Sutherland, Georgia Voll, Georgia Wareham

ODI squad:
Darcie Brown, Nicola Carey, Ashleigh Gardner, Kim Garth, Alyssa Healy (c), Alana King, Phoebe Litchfield, Tahlia McGrath (vc), Sophie Molineux, Beth Mooney, Ellyse Perry, Annabel Sutherland, Georgia Voll, Georgia Wareham

Test squad:
Darcie Brown, Ashleigh Gardner, Kim Garth, Lucy Hamilton, Alyssa Healy (c), Alana King, Phoebe Litchfield, Tahlia McGrath (vc), Sophie Molineux, Beth Mooney, Ellyse Perry, Annabel Sutherland, Georgia Voll, Georgia Wareham