Australia’s bid to dominate a high-profile multi-format women’s cricket series at home has suffered a setback after new captain-elect Sophie Molineux is ruled out of the remainder of the series against India women’s national cricket team due to persistent lower back soreness. The unexpected disruption comes in the midst of a tightly poised contest that has captured attention with its blend of Tests, ODIs and T20Is.
Molineux, who has been earmarked to take the leadership mantle across formats following the retirement of veteran Alyssa Healy, was originally part of Australia’s victorious first ODI. However, the lower back issue flared up after that match and the all-rounder will now sit out the final two ODIs and the one-off Test. Her absence gives room for all-rounder Nicola Carey to step into the XI, making a rare appearance at Hobart’s Bellerive Oval in what has turned out to be a pivotal contest in the breakdown of the series.
“The Sophie Molineux news today was a bit of a shock for everyone and a disappointing one for her,” Healy said at the toss ahead of the second ODI, reflecting the team’s surprise at losing a player of Molineux’s calibre mid-series. “Hopefully we can rally around those three and give them the love they need moving forward.”
Australia’s injury woes extend beyond Molineux; experienced players Ellyse Perry and Kim Garth are already sidelined with quad issues, leaving selectors with tough calls as Australia battle to maintain momentum in challenging conditions.
National selector Shawn Flegler commented on Sophie Molineux’s condition, sharing, “Unfortunately, Soph (Sophie Molineux) has developed a little bit of back pain, so lower back pain over the last few days. So, unfortunately that means she’s going to miss the rest of the series, and we’ll look towards her being available for the West Indies series coming up. We don’t want to take any risks with the T20 World Cup coming up.
“She’s still right to bat, still right to run, but it’s just the bowling, she’s got a little bit of (back) pain at the moment… We don’t think she’s gonna miss too much more, so obviously we got Alyssa (Healy) captaining for the next few games, and then the plan is to take Soph to the West Indies and continue her captaincy over there.”
With the multi-format series finely balanced and the ODI segment crucial for overall momentum, India will be hoping their measured changes pay dividends, while Australia strive to regroup after the blow of losing a key leader. The series will conclude with the final ODI at Hobart on March 1, followed by the marquee Test match at Perth’s WACA, setting the stage for a thrilling end to an injury-filled but fiercely competitive contest.
