Australia include Sophie Molineux in Women's World Cup squad

Left-arm spinner Sophie Molineux returns to the Australia squad after an injury layoff, ready in time for the upcoming Women's World Cup 2025, starting on September 30. Molineux, who underwent knee surgery in January, missed much of the past year but has been a trusted spin option in white-ball cricket whenever fit. While she is likely to miss the ODI series against India in the lead-up to the tournament, there's growing confidence that she will be ready for the showpiece event that follows.

Australia are also bolstered by the returns of Darcie Brown (quad injury) and Georgia Wareham (groin injury), who have shrugged off recent niggles. Alyssa Healy too made an appreciable return to the Australia A side last month after a 2024-25 summer disrupted by injuries.

ODI series v India only: Nicole Faltum, Charli Knott

"Sophie Molineux is progressing well in her return from a knee injury, and we anticipate she'll be available for the World Cup," Australia team physio Kate Beerworth said. "Alyssa Healy made a strong return in the recent 'A' series, and we're pleased with where she's at, with Georgia Wareham also back to full training following her adductor injury during the Hundred."

Molineux is one of the five players in the Australia squad who have been included in their first-ever 50-over World Cup squad. Phoebe Litchfield, Georgia Voll, Georgia Wareham and Kim Garth are the other four. Grace Harris, if picked, could play her first-ever ODI World Cup game after having been an unused member of Australia's title-winning squad in 2022 in New Zealand.

Molineux's return bolsters an already stacked spin attack for Australia with Wareham, Ashleigh Gardner and Alana King, that will be handy in the subcontinent. In the batting department, Voll has earned her first World Cup berth through sustained impressive performances in the domestic circuit.

For the three ODIs that Australia will play against India ahead of the World Cup, the selectors have added the pair of all-rounder Charli Knott and wicketkeeper-batter Nicole Faltum to make a 17-member squad. They will return to Australia before the World Cup begins.

"We've looked to cover all bases, especially with conditions in India and Sri Lanka likely to assist spin. Sophie's [Molineux] progress has been encouraging and we're confident she'll be ready to go by the time the tournament starts," National selector Shawn Flegler said.

Australia, who secured their sixth ODI World Cup in 2022, will begin their title defence against New Zealand on October 1 in Indore.