Sophie Molineux to lead as Australia name squad for ICC Women's T20 World Cup 2026
(Courtesy : Getty Images)
Australia squad for ICC Women’s T20 World Cup 2026 squad has seen some major calls being taken by selectors.
Australia have announced their 15-member squad for the ICC Women’s T20 World Cup 2026, with Sophie Molineux set to lead the side in the tournament, scheduled to be held in England and Wales from June 12 to July 5. The squad marks the beginning of a new era for Australia following the retirement of former captain Alyssa Healy from T20 internationals.
Alongside Molineux, Ashleigh Gardner and Tahlia McGrath have been named vice-captains for the tournament. Australia have retained experienced players including Ellyse Perry, Beth Mooney, Megan Schutt, Georgia Wareham and Alana King as they target a record-extending seventh Women’s T20 World Cup title.
One of the biggest talking points from the squad announcement is the omission of fast bowler Darcie Brown. The 23-year-old pacer, who featured in 41 T20Is for Australia, has been left out of the squad, with selectors opting for young left-arm seamer Lucy Hamilton instead. Hamilton recently made her senior international debut and impressed during tours against India and the West Indies.
Major changes in Australia’s Women’s T20 World Cup 2026 squad
Australia have also recalled Grace Harris after she missed the recent West Indies tour, while Annabel Sutherland returns after being rested during Australia’s previous international assignment. Selectors have reportedly preferred a spin-heavy combination keeping English conditions in mind, with Molineux, Gardner, Wareham and King forming the core spin options in the squad.
According to Cricket Australia selectors, Lucy Hamilton’s left-arm pace and ability to provide variation played a key role in her selection ahead of Darcie Brown. Beth Mooney is also expected to take over wicketkeeping duties after Alyssa Healy’s retirement, while Tahlia Wilson has been named as the travelling reserve.
Australia have been placed in Group 1 alongside India women’s national cricket team, South Africa women’s national cricket team, Pakistan women’s national cricket team, Bangladesh and the Netherlands. Their opening match of the tournament will be against South Africa on June 13 at Old Trafford in Manchester.
Australia squad for Women’s T20 World Cup 2026
Nicola Carey, Ashleigh Gardner (vice captain), Kim Garth, Lucy Hamilton, Grace Harris, Alana King, Phoebe Litchfield, Tahlia McGrath (vice-captain), Sophie Molineux (captain), Beth Mooney, Ellyse Perry, Megan Schutt, Annabel Sutherland, Georgia Voll, Georgia Wareham, Tahlia Wilson (traveling reserve)
Who will captain Australia in Women’s T20 World Cup 2026?
Sophie Molineux will captain Australia in the tournament.
When will Australia play their first game in Women’s T20 World Cup 2026?
Their opening match of the tournament will be against South Africa on June 13 at Old Trafford in Manchester.
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Anubha Anandita Pathak is a sports enthusiast with a strong passion for cricket and basketball, shaped by her experience as a district-level basketball and kabaddi player. A loyal Golden State Warriors supporter, she closely follows Stephen Curry’s style of play. With on-ground reporting experience covering the Indian Super League and Karnataka’s hockey circuit, Anubha brings both perspective and passion to her storytelling.