Cricket News

Sophie Molineux returns as Australia name spin-heavy squad for historic WACA Test against South Africa

Australia has unveiled a 14-player squad, brimming with spin options, for the highly anticipated one-off Women’s Test against South Africa, set to commence on February 15th at the iconic WACA ground in Perth. This marks the first-ever Test encounter between the two nations, promising an exciting chapter in women’s cricket history.

Leading the charge will be wicketkeeper-batter Alyssa Healy, who has taken over the captaincy duties following Meg Lanning’s retirement. Joining her is a potent batting line-up and featuring the explosive Darcie Brown, the ever-reliable Ashleigh Gardner, the experienced Kim Garth, and the talented Beth Mooney. Ellyse Perry, back in form after injury, further adds strength and experience to the batting core.

A key highlight of the squad is the selection of five dedicated spin options, reflecting the spin-friendly conditions which could be on offer. The returning Sophie Molineux, fresh off a successful comeback and impressive performances, bolsters the spin attack. She joins forces with established spinners Jess Jonassen, Alana King, and Georgia Wareham, each boasting a unique skill set and a proven track record.

Alongside the spinners, Annabel Sutherland provides a valuable all-round option, offering consistent batting contributions and impactful seam bowling. Megan Schutt adds pace and experience to the attack, while the young and promising Phoebe Litchfield rounds out the squad with her exciting talent.

Australia squad:  Alyssa Healy, (C) Darcie Brown, Ashleigh Gardner, Kim Garth, Jess Jonassen, Alana King, Phoebe Litchfield, Tahlia McGrath, Sophie Molineux, Beth Mooney, Ellyse Perry, Megan Schutt, Annabel Sutherland, Georgia Wareham

‘It was a nice call to make’

“It was a nice call to make. She’s been through a lot in the last couple of years. She was pretty emotional. She’s put a lot of hard work in over the last 12 months but even the previous 12 months as well missed out some big tournaments for us.” national selector Shawn Flegler said when asked about the selection of Sophie Molineux, who last featured for the national side back in 2021.

South Africa, led by Laura Wolvaardt, also named their squad recently, featuring a mix of seasoned campaigners like Marizanne Kapp and Chloé Tryon, alongside exciting young talents making their Test debuts. With both teams eager to make a mark in this inaugural encounter, the stage is set for a captivating battle at the WACA.

This Test match promises to be a significant milestone for women’s cricket, attracting global attention and paving the way for further Test encounters between nations. With a unique blend of talent and strategies on display, the clash between Australia and South Africa promises to be an enthralling spectacle for cricket fans worldwide.