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Molineux And Wareham Return As Australia Name Strong ODI World Cup Squad

Rajgeeta Yadav

Australia Women [Source: AFP]Australia Women [Source: AFP]

On September 5, Australia announced their 15-player squad for the upcoming Women’s ODI World Cup in India and Sri Lanka. The team has received a boost with the return of spinners Sophie Molineux and Georgia Wareham, both of whom are making comebacks after injury lay-offs.

Selectors Back Spin Strength For World Cup Defense

Molineux, a left-arm spinner, has been out of action since late last year following knee surgery. She is still going through rehabilitation and is unlikely to play in the warm-up series against India, but team physio Kate Beerworth is confident she will be ready for the World Cup. 

"Sophie Molineux is progressing well in her return from a knee injury, and we anticipate she'll be available for the World Cup," she said.

Wareham, meanwhile, is back in full training after recovering from the groin injury that cut short her stint in The Hundred. 

The squad will be led by Alyssa Healy, who has also battled injuries over the past year. She recently proved her fitness and form with a stunning unbeaten 137 against India A. Alongside the experienced core of the squad, the selectors have included some fresh faces. 

Grace Harris has secured the final batting position, while Georgia Voll has earned her first World Cup call-up after an impressive debut year. Voll joins Molineux, Wareham, Phoebe Litchfield and Kim Garth as first-time participants in a 50-over World Cup.

Selector Shawn Flegler described the tournament in India as one of the toughest assignments in world cricket, but expressed full confidence in the squad’s ability to rise to the challenge. 

“A World Cup in India is one of cricket’s biggest assignments, but we believe this group is up for the challenge,The valuable experience the squad has gained from several sub-continent tours in recent years, as well as exposure through the Women’s Premier League will be beneficial in tackling the unique demands of Indian conditions," he said.

Australia will begin their campaign against New Zealand in Indore on October 1, as the reigning champions set out to defend the title they won in 2022.

Australia Women’s Squad:

Alyssa Healy (C), 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