Australia have officially confirmed Sophie Molineux as the next captain of the women’s national team across all three formats, ushering in a new era following Alyssa Healy’s impending retirement from international cricket. The left-arm spinner will begin her leadership tenure during the T20I leg of the upcoming home series against India, before assuming full-time captaincy duties later in the year.
Healy, one of the most influential figures in women’s cricket, will lead Australia in the ODI and Test legs of her farewell series before stepping aside. With the T20 World Cup just months away, Cricket Australia has moved swiftly to ensure leadership continuity.
Speaking after her appointment, Molineux described the role as a “huge honour,” acknowledging Healy’s impact on the team and the responsibility of leading a dominant side into a new phase. She will be supported by vice-captains Tahlia McGrath and Ashleigh Gardner, strengthening Australia’s leadership group.
While McGrath was widely considered a contender for the top job, selectors appear to have balanced leadership experience with recent form and long-term planning. Despite injury setbacks and limited recent international appearances, Molineux’s success as captain of the Melbourne Renegades — whom she led to the 2024–25 WBBL title — played a key role in her elevation.
Cricket Australia has confirmed that Molineux’s workload will be carefully managed given her injury history. She will take full charge of the team following the India series, leading Australia through the Caribbean tour and into the T20 World Cup in England, completing a remarkable comeback that now places her at the helm of Australian women’s cricket.
