Ashes heartbreak for gun all-rounder as squad revealed
By Gemma Grant
Sophie Molineux has been ruled out of Australia’s white-ball squad for the Women’s Ashes, with the gun all-rounder headed for surgery following persistent knee issues.
The 26-year-old led the Melbourne Renegades to a famous WBBL title recently but missed all three of Australia’s ODIs against New Zealand this month after what was initially described as knee soreness.
But Cricket Australia has announced that Molineux will have left knee surgery next month, with no date scheduled for her return.
Australian all-rounder Sophie Molineux.Credit: Getty Images
A squad of 13 players was picked for the opening three one-day internationals of the Ashes series. These matches will take place in Sydney, Melbourne and Hobart from January 12.
Skipper Alyssa Healy, who returned to the field in the recent ODI series against New Zealand, and eight-time world champion Ellyse Perry feature in the star-studded group.
A 14th member, all-rounder Grace Harris, will join the squad for the following three Twenty20 matches – in Sydney, Canberra and Adelaide.
The lack of a left-handed spinner in the squad following Molineux’s surgery will also likely increase the playing time for right-arm leg-spinner Alana King.
“The Ashes is always a fierce contest with the top-two ranked teams in the world going head-to-head,” said Cricket Australia’s women’s national selector and head of performance Shawn Flegler.
Australia’s white-ball squad for the Women’s Ashes
Alyssa Healy (NSW / Sydney Sixers), captain
Darcie Brown (SA / Adelaide Strikers)
Ashleigh Gardner (NSW / Sydney Sixers)
Kim Garth (VIC / Melbourne Stars)
Alana King (WA / Perth Scorchers)
Phoebe Litchfield (NSW / Sydney Thunder)
Tahlia McGrath (SA / Adelaide Strikers), vice-captain
Beth Mooney (WA / Perth Scorchers)
Ellyse Perry (VIC / Sydney Sixers)
Megan Schutt (SA / Adelaide Strikers)
Annabel Sutherland (VIC / Melbourne Stars)
Georgia Voll (QLD / Sydney Thunder)
Georgia Wareham (VIC / Melbourne Renegades)
*Grace Harris (QLD / Brisbane Heat) *T20s only
“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.”
Flegler made specific mention of 21-year-old Georgia Voll, who made her ODI debut in December against India.
“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,” he said.
England announced their squad for the series shortly before Christmas.
Heather Knight will captain the side across all three formats, while Kate Cross recovered from an on-field back spasm to be named in the squad.
Australia’s selectors are yet to announce a squad for the Test component of the series.
The first women’s Test held at the MCG since 1948-49 will run from January 30 to February 2, and it will be played in the day-night format with a pink ball.
The Women’s Ashes is a multi-format series, consisting of three ODIs, three T20s and a Test match.
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