Australia’s Women’s Ashes Squad Suffers Setback with Molineux Knee Surgery
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. 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’s Women’s Ashes Squad Update**
Amidst the anticipation and excitement surrounding the upcoming Women’s Ashes, Australia’s squad has encountered an unexpected setback with all-rounder Sophie Molineux requiring knee surgery. This unfortunate development has ruled her out of the series, leaving a noticeable gap in the team. Molineux, a key player who recently led the Melbourne Renegades to victory in the WBBL, will be greatly missed on the field.
**Promising Additions to the Squad**
In light of Molineux’s absence, hard-hitting batter Grace Harris has been included in the squad for the T20 matches, bringing a fresh dynamic to the team. Additionally, the selection of Alyssa Healy as captain, following her stellar performance as a batter in the recent series, underscores the team’s unwavering spirit and determination to succeed.
**Building Momentum for the Ashes**
Despite the challenges posed by Molineux’s injury, the Australian team remains optimistic about their prospects in the Ashes series. The impressive display against India and New Zealand has instilled confidence in the squad’s ability to compete at the highest level. The emergence of talented players like Georgia Voll further enhances the team’s depth and versatility, setting the stage for an exciting and competitive series.
**Looking Ahead**
As the team prepares to kick off the series with the first ODI at North Sydney Oval on January 12, fans eagerly await the opportunity to witness their favorite players in action. With the day-night Test at the MCG looming on January 30, the anticipation continues to build as Australia finalizes their squad for the prestigious event.
In the face of adversity, the Australian Women’s Ashes squad remains resilient and focused on achieving success in the upcoming series. Despite the setback with Molineux’s injury, the team’s depth and determination bode well for an exciting and competitive competition ahead. Stay tuned for more updates as the squad gears up to defend their honor on the cricket field.