In a significant leadership transition for Australian women’s cricket, all-rounder Sophie Molineux has been appointed captain across all formats, succeeding the retiring wicketkeeping legend Alyssa Healy. The announcement comes ahead of Australia’s multi-format home series against India, marking a new chapter for the world’s top-ranked women’s cricket team.
The 28-year-old Victorian will assume captaincy starting with the T20 international series opener on February 15th, as Healy is not part of the squad for the initial matches. Molineux will then serve as vice-captain during the subsequent ODI series and historic one-off Test in Perth, which will represent Healy’s final professional appearance before retirement.
Expressing her honor at the appointment, Molineux acknowledged Healy’s monumental impact on the team and women’s cricket globally. ‘It’s a real honor 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 stated. She emphasized her commitment to fostering the team’s evolution while maintaining its distinctive identity, noting the squad’s blend of experienced leaders and emerging talent.
The leadership restructuring also establishes Ashleigh Gardner as vice-captain alongside Tahlia McGrath, who retains her deputy role across all formats. This creates a dynamic leadership group featuring three all-rounders steering Australian women’s cricket forward.
Molineux brings substantial captaincy experience from domestic cricket, having led both Victoria and Melbourne Renegades to their inaugural Women’s Big Bash League title in 2024. Her international career, beginning in 2019, includes 58 appearances across formats (3 Tests, 17 ODIs, and 38 T20Is), though it has been punctuated by significant injury challenges including stress fractures and ACL reconstruction that caused her to miss multiple global tournaments.
The upcoming India series, running from February 15th to March 9th featuring three T20Is, three ODIs, and one Test, will serve as Molineux’s inaugural challenge as permanent captain. Her primary objective for 2025 will be reclaiming the T20 World Cup title when the tournament commences in England on June 12th.