Australia Women have unveiled their squads for the upcoming home multi-format series against India, setting the tone for a blockbuster contest that blends transition with experience. The tour will feature three T20Is, three ODIs, and a one-off Test, offering a full-spectrum challenge as Australia balance future planning with the closing chapter of one of their greatest leaders, Alyssa Healy.
The T20I leg of the series will be played on February 15, 19, and 21, followed by the ODIs on February 24, February 27, and March 1. The tour will culminate with a solitary Test beginning March 6, adding red-ball context to a rivalry that has grown fiercely competitive in recent years.
Sophie Molineux begins new era as captain
In a significant leadership call, Sophie Molineux has been appointed Australia Women’s all-format captain by Cricket Australia. Molineux will lead the side during the T20I series, marking the start of her captaincy journey at international level.
However, the ODI and Test captaincy will revert to Healy, who is set to take charge for the final time before stepping away from international cricket. The decision ensures continuity and gives the veteran wicketkeeper-batter a fitting farewell on home soil, where many of her most iconic moments have unfolded.
Squad composition shows balance and intent
Australia’s T20I squad features a strong mix of power and versatility, with Beth Mooney, Grace Harris, and Ashleigh Gardner forming the batting core, while Darcie Brown and Georgia Wareham provide pace and spin options. The return of Nicola Carey across white-ball formats adds depth to both batting and seam-bowling resources.
For the longer formats, experience takes center stage. Ellyse Perry, Annabel Sutherland, and Tahlia McGrath headline the ODI and Test squads, alongside rising star Phoebe Litchfield, who has been cleared to feature despite recently cutting short her WPL campaign due to a quad injury.
Key talking points from selection table
Nicola Carey’s comeback stands out as a major positive, with the all-rounder earning her first international call-up since 2022 after impressive domestic performances. Teenage pacer Lucy Hamilton, just 19, has been rewarded with a maiden Test selection and could make her debut in Perth, signaling Australia’s investment in youth for the longer format. At the same time, selectors have made tough calls. Veteran seamer Megan Schutt misses out on the ODI squad, while leg-spinner Alana King has been left out of the T20I setup, underlining the competitive depth within Australian cricket.
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
This article was first published at WomenCricket.com, a Cricket Times company.
