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Key Takeaways
- 1🌟 Lucy Hamilton, 19, earns maiden Test call-up after impressive WBBL season with eight wickets for Brisbane Heat
- 2👑 Sophie Molineux appointed Australia captain across all formats following Alyssa Healy's retirement
- 3🤝 Ashleigh Gardner elevated to vice-captain alongside Tahlia McGrath to strengthen leadership group
- 4🔄 Nicola Carey returns to international cricket after last playing for Australia in 2022
- 5📅 India tour begins February 15 with T20Is, followed by ODIs and a one-off Test in Perth from March 6
"The USA batter has been charged with five breaches of the anti-corruption codes of Cricket West Indies and ICC"
Lucy Hamilton Earns Maiden Test Call-Up as Sophie Molineux Named Australia Captain for India Series
Australia's women's cricket team is entering a new era, with teenage sensation Lucy Hamilton earning her maiden Test call-up and Sophie Molineux being appointed as captain across all formats following Alyssa Healy's retirement announcement.
Match Overview
The highly-anticipated India tour of Australia features three T20Is, three ODIs, and a one-off Test match. This series marks a significant transition period for Australian women's cricket as they prepare for life after Alyssa Healy's captaincy.
Batting Performance
Lucy Hamilton's Breakthrough
The 19-year-old left-arm pacer has capped off an impressive rise through the ranks with selection in Australia's Test squad for the upcoming one-off match against India. Hamilton's credentials are compelling—she claimed the Young Gun Award at the recently-concluded WBBL after taking eight wickets in nine matches for Brisbane Heat.
Her leadership qualities were evident even earlier, having captained Australia at last year's U19 World Cup. Now, she'll have the opportunity to test her skills at the highest level against a formidable Indian side.
Bowling Performance
Notable Squad Changes
Leg-spinner Alana King has been omitted from the T20I squad, while veteran pacer Megan Schutt misses out on ODI selection, though both remain in contention for other formats.
Nicola Carey makes a welcome return to international cricket in the ODI format, having last represented Australia in 2022. Despite declining a national contract in 2023, Carey has remained a consistent performer domestically. She was named Player of the Year in 2023-24 after helping Tasmania claim their maiden 50-over title and was also Player of the Match in the 2025 Women's Hundred final.
Fielding Impact
Full Squad Announcements
Australia T20I Squad: Darcie Brown, Nicola Carey, Ashleigh Gardner, Kim Garth, Grace Harris, Phoebe Litchfield, Tahlia McGrath, Sophie Molineux (captain), Beth Mooney, Ellyse Perry, Megan Schutt, Annabel Sutherland, Georgia Voll, Georgia Wareham
Australia ODI Squad: Darcie Brown, Nicola Carey, Ashleigh Gardner, Kim Garth, Alyssa Healy (captain), Alana King, Phoebe Litchfield, Tahlia McGrath, Sophie Molineux, Beth Mooney, Ellyse Perry, Annabel Sutherland, Georgia Voll, Georgia Wareham
Australia Test Squad: Darcie Brown, Ashleigh Gardner, Kim Garth, Lucy Hamilton, Alyssa Healy (captain), Alana King, Phoebe Litchfield, Tahlia McGrath, Sophie Molineux, Beth Mooney, Ellyse Perry, Annabel Sutherland, Georgia Voll, Georgia Wareham
Captain or Team Leadership
Molineux Takes the Reins
Sophie Molineux has been entrusted with leading Australia into their post-Healy era. The experienced all-rounder will captain the side across T20Is, ODIs, and Tests going forward, though Healy will lead the team one final time during the ODIs and Test against India before officially stepping away.
Cricket Australia chairman Mike Baird expressed confidence in the appointment: "Sophie is a terrific player and leader who brings a wealth of experience and success to the role and someone we are proud to have lead this great side."
Shawn Flegler, Cricket Australia's Head of Performance (Women's Cricket) and National Selector, elaborated on the decision: "Sophie is an outstanding leader and we are thrilled for her to take on the role. Sophie is highly respected within Australian cricket, and her resilience, composure and proven domestic leadership makes her the right person to lead the team into a new era."
Flegler also noted that the team will continue to manage Molineux's workload, "prioritising key tournaments and major international series following injury challenges in recent seasons."
Strengthened Leadership Group
Ashleigh Gardner has been elevated to vice-captain alongside Tahlia McGrath, creating a robust leadership structure for the new-look Australian side.
Flegler explained the rationale: "Tahlia McGrath remains vice-captain, recognising her significant leadership contribution under Alyssa Healy. Tahlia has acted as stand-in captain on 16 occasions across formats, providing consistency and stability. Ash Gardner has been elevated to vice-captain alongside Tahlia, strengthening the team's leadership group. Ash and Tahlia provide complimentary skills in support of Sophie and are also both capable of leading the team as stand-in captain if required."
Future Outlook
India Tour Schedule
The highly-anticipated India tour of Australia kicks off with three T20Is:
- February 15 – Sydney
- February 19 – Canberra
- February 21 – Adelaide
The ODI series follows:
- February 24 – Brisbane
- February 27 – Brisbane
- March 1 – Gabba
The tour culminates with the one-off Test in Perth from March 6, where Lucy Hamilton could make her debut on the biggest stage.
