Australia have announced their squad for the upcoming three-match women’s ODI series against Bangladesh, with regular captain Sophie Molineux and pace bowler Lucy Hamilton unavailable for the series. In Molineux’s absence, Tahlia McGrath has been handed the responsibility of leading the Australian side during the Bangladesh assignment.
The three ODIs are scheduled to be played at Allan Border Field in Brisbane between 9 and 14 October. Australia will then turn their attention to New Zealand, facing the White Ferns in a three-match T20I series in Sydney from 18 to 22 October.
Although Molineux and Hamilton will miss the Bangladesh series, Cricket Australia expects both players to be fit and available for the subsequent T20I fixtures against New Zealand. Their inclusion in that series will depend on their recovery and fitness assessments.
Australia will also be without fast bowler Darcie Brown for both series. Brown has been ruled out with a back injury, leaving the selectors with another significant gap to address as they finalise their plans for a busy period of international cricket.
All-rounder Grace Harris has also been left out following a recent run of performances. Harris was part of Australia’s T20 World Cup squad, but has not been selected for the upcoming assignments.
The combination of injuries and changes to the squad means Australia currently have only 12 players available for the six-day ODI series in Brisbane. National selection chief Sean Flegler said another player could be added after the next round of the Women’s National Cricket League (WNCL), Australia’s domestic competition.
Flegler also provided an update on Brown’s recovery. While the fast bowler is expected to spend a significant period on the sidelines, Australia hope she can return at some stage during the Women’s Big Bash League, which is scheduled to begin towards the end of October.
Despite the absences, Australia’s squad retains considerable international experience. Players such as Ellyse Perry, Beth Mooney, Ashleigh Gardner, Annabel Sutherland, Megan Schutt and Alana King remain part of the group, while McGrath will take charge of the ODI side.
For Bangladesh, the series will provide an opportunity to face one of the leading sides in women’s international cricket. The three matches in Brisbane will also test Australia’s depth, particularly with several established players unavailable.
Australia’s squad for the Bangladesh ODIs and New Zealand T20Is is: Sophie Molineux (T20Is only), Nicola Carey, Ashleigh Gardner, Kim Garth, Lucy Hamilton (T20Is only), Alana King, Phoebe Litchfield, Tahlia McGrath (ODI captain), Beth Mooney, Ellyse Perry, Megan Schutt, Annabel Sutherland, Georgia Voll and Georgia Wareham.