Australia’s captain Sophie Molineux is in doubt for the upcoming ODI series against Bangladesh after sustaining a hip injury.
Molineux was omitted from Victoria’s squad for the opening round of the WNCL competition that begins tomorrow. Australia’s three‑ ODI lineup against Bangladesh – all scheduled in Brisbane on 9, 11 and 14 October – is expected to be announced on Wednesday.
“Sophie has a hip‑joint injury and her involvement in the forthcoming series will continue to be assessed,” a Cricket Australia spokesperson said.
Molineux has endured a series of injuries in recent years, most recently a back problem that curtailed the start of her captaincy earlier this year. She toured the West Indies as a specialist batter before returning to a full‑time all‑round role and leading Australia to the T20 World Cup title.
“I suppose the injuries have taken up a large chunk of the last few years for me,” Molineux told Cricinfo recently. “But the lessons that you learn from going through it just makes me really grateful to be sitting here today with some pretty special memories under my belt.”
Australia has six fixtures in October, including three T20Is against New Zealand after the Bangladesh ODIs. New Zealand will then tour in March for a three‑ODI series following the inaugural Champions Trophy in India.
Tahlia McGrath and Ashleigh Gardner were appointed joint vice‑captains earlier this year. McGrath led the side during the West Indies tour when Molineux was absent, but she did not secure a place in the squad for the T20 World Cup.
“While my separation from my wife is a personal matter, I understand my current relationship status needed to be addressed by Cricket Australia given my position as vice‑captain,” Gardner said in an Instagram post at the time.
“I am grateful that the CA Board has chosen to support my continued leadership. I look forward to playing a strong role as a leader and providing the best possible support for my teammates in the season to come.”
