Molineux knee surgery blow for Australia ahead of women’s Ashes

by Admin
December 27, 2024

Luckless Australia all-rounder Sophie Molineux will undergo knee surgery, ruling her out of the women’s Ashes.

Molineux, who captained the Melbourne Renegades to the WBBL title last month, is the biggest name missing from Australia’s 13-player squad for the three ODIs of the multi-format series against England.

Hard-hitting batter Grace Harris will be added to the squad for the T20s.

Molineux missed the recent ODI series in New Zealand, with Australia confirming the 26-year-old would have surgery in January.

The left-arm spinner, who is a handy lower-order batter, has endured a number of injuries and health challenges throughout her stop-start career.

“Following that we will provide further updates on an anticipated return date,” Australia physiotherapist Kate Beerworth said.

Captain Alyssa Healy has been selected, after only playing as a batter and not taking the gloves against the White Ferns.

Exciting batter Georgia Voll was a revelation against India earlier this month on debut when she filled in for Healy, earning herself an Ashes berth.

“We’re pleased with how the side performed in recent series against India and New Zealand and are confident we have a balanced squad capable of retaining the Ashes,” Cricket Australia’s women’s boss and selector Shawn Flegler said.

“It was pleasing to see Alyssa Healy return to action against New Zealand and looked in good touch, along with a number of batters continuing their strong form on from the recent series against India.

“Whilst Georgia Voll didn’t play against New Zealand, she’s made a brilliant start to her international career and will be a strong option with the bat if required in her debut Ashes series.”

Georgia Voll did well on debut against India and has earned a call-up to Australia’s Women’s Ashes squad. (AAP: Jono Searle)

The first ODI is on January 12 at North Sydney Oval.

Australia will wait longer to name their squad for the day-night Test at the MCG, starting on January 30.

AUSTRALIA: Alyssa Healy, Darcie Brown, Ashleigh Gardner, Kim Garth, Grace Harris, Alana King, Phoebe Litchfield, Tahlia McGrath, Beth Mooney, Ellyse Perry, Megan Schutt, Annabel Sutherland, Georgia Voll, Georgia Wareham.

AAP