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Sophie Molineux Ruled Out of Women’s Ashes Due to Injury
Australia Faces Setback as Sophie Molineux Misses Women’s Ashes
Molineux to Undergo Knee Surgery
Australia allrounder Sophie Molineux has been ruled out of the multi-format Women’s Ashes series, which begins with the ODIs on January 12. Molineux, who led the Melbourne Renegades to the WBBL title earlier this month despite managing a persistent knee issue, will undergo surgery next month. The injury resurfaced after the recent India series, causing her to miss the ODI series against New Zealand last week.
“Sophie Molineux will undergo left knee surgery next month, following which we will provide further updates on her anticipated return date,” said team physiotherapist Kate Beerworth.
Australia’s ODI and T20I Squad Announced
The selectors have named a strong squad for the ODI and T20I legs of the Ashes, including seasoned players and rising talents:
The Australia squad comprises Alyssa Healy (c), Darcie Brown, Ashleigh Gardner, Kim Garth, Grace Harris (T20s only), Alana King, Phoebe Litchfield, Tahlia McGrath (vc), Beth Mooney, Ellyse Perry, Megan Schutt, Annabel Sutherland, Georgia Voll, and Georgia Wareham.
Healy’s Return Sparks Optimism
Australia captain Alyssa Healy also recently dealt with a knee injury, forcing her to miss the India series. However, she returned for the New Zealand ODIs, albeit without wicketkeeping duties, leaving those responsibilities to Beth Mooney. It remains to be seen if Healy will resume wicketkeeping during the Ashes.
“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 from the recent series against India,” said Cricket Australia’s Head of Performance (Women’s Cricket) and National Selector, Shawn Flegler.
Georgia Voll Earns Maiden Ashes Call-Up
Emerging talent Georgia Voll has been rewarded with her first call-up for an Ashes series after an impressive performance against India, where she scored 173 runs in three games, including a century. Although she didn’t play in the New Zealand ODIs, Voll’s potential makes her a strong option for Australia’s batting lineup.
“Whilst 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,” added Flegler.
Historic Test Match at the MCG
Following the ODIs from January 12 to 17 and the T20Is from January 20 to 25, Australia and England will face off in a historic Test match at the Melbourne Cricket Ground (MCG) starting January 30. This will be the first-ever day-night women’s Test at the venue and the first since the 1948-49 series. Australia’s squad for the Test match is yet to be announced.
