Australia’s build-up to the upcoming global season has received a timely boost, with captain Sophie Molineux confirming her availability for the T20I leg of the Caribbean tour against the West Indies women’s cricket team.
After dealing with a persistent back injury that ruled her out of the latter part of Australia’s recent ODI series against India, Molineux is now edging back toward full fitness. The all-rounder is expected to take the field in the shortest format as the team fine-tunes preparations ahead of the ICC Women’s T20 World Cup in England, now just months away.
“(I will be) playing in the T20s, (I am) available and looking forward to playing a role and getting back out there, that’s for sure,” Molineux said from St Vincent on Tuesday. “I am looking forward to getting back out there with the girls.”
While her return is a positive sign, team management may take a cautious approach. Molineux hinted that she could be rested during the ODI leg of the tour to carefully manage her workload and ensure peak fitness for the marquee tournament in June. There also remains some uncertainty around her bowling, although she has resumed batting and fielding during training sessions.
Australia views the Caribbean series as a crucial final tune-up before the World Cup, with limited matches left to refine combinations and build momentum. “It’s an important series for all of us as we haven’t got a whole lot of games before that T20 World Cup,” Molineux added. “Each game we have together is really important and make sure we’re building towards that. And I suppose to be able to get my feet in behind the desk and lead the group.
“I’m looking forward to making the most of those opportunities and especially just getting away and jumping on a plane together and connecting as a group again after what’s been a few months in Australia. It’s going to be really good for us.”
The hosts, led by Hayley Matthews, are equally focused on the series as a key preparatory phase. The squad features experienced names such as Stafanie Taylor, Deandra Dottin, Afy Fletcher and Shemaine Campbelle, alongside emerging talents eager to make an impact.
With both teams treating the series as a benchmark ahead of the World Cup, Matthews underlined its significance. “It is a very important (series) and I think it’s going to be a good test of where we are as a team right now,” Matthews suggested. “Just a couple of months before the World Cup does start, so hopefully we can see some bright sparks and be able to take a lot of positives out of this series.”
As Australia look to defend their dominance and West Indies aim to rediscover their title-winning edge, the Caribbean clash promises to offer valuable insights ahead of cricket’s biggest T20 stage.
Squads:
West Indies’ Women’s Cricket Team
Hayley Matthews (c), Chinelle Henry, Aaliyah Alleyne, Eboni Brathwaite, Shemaine Campbelle, Jahzara Claxton, Deandra Dottin, Afy Fletcher, Jannillea Glasgow, Shawnisha Hector, Zaida James, Qiana Joseph, Mandy Mangru, Karishma Ramharack, Stafanie Taylor
Australia Women’s Cricket Team
Sophie Molineux (c), Ashleigh Gardner (vc), Tahlia McGrath (vc), Darcie Brown, Nicola Carey, Kim Garth, Lucy Hamilton, Alana King, Phoebe Litchfield, Beth Mooney, Ellyse Perry, Megan Schutt, Georgia Voll, Georgia Wareham, Tahlia Wilson
West Indies vs Australia Schedule 2026:
First T20I: March 19, St Vincent
Second T20I: March 21, St Vincent
Third T20I: March 23, St Vincent
First ODI: March 27, St Kitts
Second ODI: March 29, St Kitts
Third ODI: April 2, St Kitts
