Sophie Molineux ruled out of women’s Ashes series with a knee-injury

Australia’s injury riddled all-rounder Sophie Molineux has run out of luck again with knee surgery ruling her out of the upcoming women’s Ashes kicking off on January 12.

PERTH, AUSTRALIA - DECEMBER 11: Sophie Molineux of Australia in action during game three of the Women's ODI Series between Australia and India at WACA on December 11, 2024 in Perth, Australia. (Photo by Janelle St Pierre/Getty Images)

Injury-riddled all-rounder Sophie Molineux has been ruled out of the women’s Ashes series with the Victorian set to undergo knee surgery.

Molineux, 26, was the highest-profile absentee from Australia’s 14-woman squad for the white-ball legs of the multi-format series, which begins with a one-day international at North Sydney Oval on January 12.

The squad is largely the same as the one employed in recent ODI series victories over India and New Zealand, with fringe all-rounder Heather Graham omitted.

Georgia Voll has kept her place in the squad after starring on debut against India earlier in the month, despite captain Alyssa Healy again being available.

Sophie Molineux performs on stage with Katy Perry after Australia’s 2020 World Cup victory. Picture: AAP Image/Scott Barbour

The destructive Grace Harris is not part of the squad for the one-dayers but will feature in the squad for the three T20s, beginning at the SCG on January 20.

A squad for the one-off day-night Test at the MCG has not yet been named.

Left-arm spinner Molineux will be unavailable all three formats however, continuing a longstanding run of bad luck.

The Melbourne Renegades captain missed the NZ ODIs with knee soreness, having spent the best part of three years on the national outer with foot and knee issues dating back to 2021.

“We’re pleased with how the side performed in recent series against India and New Zealand and are confident we have a balanced squad capable of retaining the Ashes,” national selection chair Shawn Flegler said.

“It was pleasing to see Alyssa Healy return to action against New Zealand and looked in good touch, along with a number of batters continuing their strong form on from the recent series against India.

Georgia Voll retained her place in the squad despite the return of Alyssa Healy. Picture:James Worsfold/Getty Images

“While Georgia Voll didn’t play against New Zealand, she’s made a brilliant start to her international career and will be a strong option with the bat if required in her debut Ashes series.

“The bowling group provides plenty of variety which will be important against a strong England batting line up.

“The Ashes is always a fierce contest with the top two ranked teams in the world going head-to-head and this series will be no different.”

Australian women’s team physiotherapist Kate Beerworth said: “Sophie Molineux will undergo left knee surgery next month, following that we will provide further updates on an anticipated return date.”

Georgia Wareham has meanwhile been added to the squad to play the Governor-General’s XI tour match against England, replacing Darcie Brown.

Originally published as Sophie Molineux ruled out of women’s Ashes series with a knee-injury