Australia name Sophie Molineux as World Cup T20 captain for 2026

Australia have chosen Sophie Molineux to lead their T20 World Cup squad in England next year.

Molineux fit to lead squad Sophie Molineux has been declared fit and included in Australia’s 15-player squad for the upcoming T20 World Cup. The 28-year-old all-rounder will captain the team, supported by vice-captains Ash Gardner and Tahlia McGrath. Lucy Hamilton has earned her first international call-up as the six-time champions aim to reclaim the title after a semi-final exit in 2024. The squad includes returning all-rounders Annabel Sutherland and Grace Harris, who were omitted from the West Indies tour in March. ## Captaincy change and injury history Molineux took over as Australia’s captain in January, replacing the retired Alyssa Healy, a decision that surprised many given her injury-prone career. She suffered a back injury just before the Caribbean tour, her first overseas series in charge, where she played solely as a batter. National selector Shawn Flegler confirmed earlier that Molineux would not be considered for a non-bowling role in the World Cup. The team will face South Africa, England and the West Indies in warm-up matches before starting their campaign against South Africa on 13 June at Old Trafford. ## Selector’s comments on squad choices Shawn Flegler expressed confidence in Molineux’s leadership, highlighting her strong rapport with the squad. He said, 'Sophie has already made her mark as captain and built a strong connection with the group over the last couple of tours, so we're looking forward to seeing what this side can achieve under her leadership.' Flegler also noted that Darcie Brown narrowly missed selection due to expected conditions and team balance. ## Fast bowling shift and squad list With at least six right-arm pace options available, selectors opted for left-arm quick Lucy Hamilton to provide variety against expected conditions. The squad features a mix of experience and emerging talent, including players like Megan Schutt, Ellyse Perry and Beth Mooney. The full 15-member lineup is as follows: ## Australia’s T20 World Cup squad | Sophie Molineux (capt) | | Nicola Carey | | Ash Gardner | | Kim Garth | | Lucy Hamilton | | Grace Harris | | Alana King | | Phoebe Litchfield | | Tahlia McGrath | | Beth Mooney | | Ellyse Perry | | Megan Schutt | | Annabel Sutherland | | Georgia Voll | | Georgia Wareham |