In a historic move that signals a new chapter for the world’s most dominant force in women’s cricket, a new leader has been officially handed the responsibility of leading the national team into the future. Following the conclusion of a hugely successful era marked by multiple world titles, the decision comes as the team prepares for a rigorous domestic season and a major global tournament on the horizon. This leadership change aims to blend the team’s renowned winning culture with modern, strategic growth.
Experienced all-rounder has taken charge of the Australian women’s cricket team
cricket australia The spin-bowling all-rounder has been officially confirmed Sophie Molineux will be successful Alyssa Healy As captain of the Australian women’s team in all three formats. The 28-year-old Victorian was projected as the successor to Healy, who recently announced his decision to retire from international cricket in March 2026. Molineux’s appointment marks a significant change, as he was chosen over a number of high-profile candidates, including Tahlia McGrath And Ashley Gardner.
While McGrath will remain vice-captain, his promotion further strengthens the leadership structure Ashley Gardner For the role of joint vice-captain. Molineux is no stranger to leadership, having famously led Melbourne Renegades to their mother’s house Women’s Big Bash League (WBBL) title in 2024 and captaining Victoria at domestic level.
The transition will be phased in to allow a smooth handover. Molineux will officially debut as captain during the upcoming T20I series next month. However, for the ODI and Test parts of the immediate domestic summer, Healy will lead for the final time and Molineux will serve as his deputy. Starting with the Caribbean tour in March, Molineux will assume full responsibility of “all-format” captaincy, carrying on the legacy created by the icon meg lanning And Healy.
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India’s high-risk multi-format tour down
The first major challenge for this new leadership era will come in mid-February 2026 India women’s cricket team Comes down to massive multi-format tour of Australia. The series is expected to be one of the most competitive bilateral competitions in recent years, featuring a tough schedule spanning seven matches across three different formats.
The tour will begin with a high-octane three-match T20I series on February 15, 2026. These matches will be held at prestigious venues, including the Sydney Cricket Ground (SCG), Manuka Oval in Canberra and Adelaide Oval. Given the proximity of the next T20 World Cup, these fixtures will serve as an important litmus test for the tactical setup and bench strength of both the teams.
After the shortest format, the rivalry switches to 50-over games with a three-match ODI series. These matches are scheduled for late February, with Brisbane’s Allan Border Field hosting the opening match before moving to Hobart’s Bellerive Oval for the final two fixtures. The tour will reach its peak in early March with a one-off day-night Test match at the WACA Ground in Perth. This pink-ball match is expected to be a historic occasion, which will test the patience and technical skills of both sides under the lights on one of the fastest pitches in the world.
This article was first published here WomenCricket.comA Cricket Times Company.
