Sophie Molineux ruled out of New Zealand ODI series due to knee injury

Australia Women’s cricket team has suffered a blow ahead of their ICC Women’s Championship ODI series against New Zealand, with all-rounder Sophie Molineux ruled out due to a knee injury. Cricket Australia confirmed the development, revealing that Molineux has been battling knee issues throughout the summer.

Despite playing in the final two ODIs of Australia’s 3-0 series sweep against India, Molineux experienced discomfort following the team’s victory in the last match in Perth. Her ongoing knee troubles have now sidelined her from the upcoming series, raising concerns as Australia prepares for the multi-format Ashes series starting January 9 at home.

In Molineux’s absence, all-rounder Heather Graham has been called up to the squad. Cricket Australia stated that Graham would join the team in New Zealand on Tuesday after completing Tasmania’s Women’s National Cricket League fixtures against New South Wales in Hobart. Graham’s inclusion provides the team with an experienced option, although Molineux’s absence remains a significant setback.

On a positive note, Australian captain Alyssa Healy is set to return to action for the New Zealand series. Healy has been recovering from a knee injury sustained during the Women’s T20 World Cup, which kept her out of the latter stages of the tournament and the subsequent series against India. Her return offers a morale boost to the team as they look to build momentum heading into the Ashes.

The ODI series against New Zealand will begin on December 19 at Wellington’s Basin Reserve, with the second and third matches scheduled for December 21 and 23, respectively. All three matches will be played at the same venue, providing a crucial opportunity for both teams to secure points in the ICC Women’s Championship.

Also See: Australia Women tour of New Zealand, 2024

Schedule:

All matches will be played at the Basin Reserve in Wellington

• First ODI: 19, December.
• Second ODI: 21 December.
• Third ODI: 23 December.

Australia’s updated squad: Alyssa Healy (c), Tahlia McGrath, Darcie Brown, Ashleigh Gardner, Kim Garth, Alana King, Phoebe Litchfield, Sophie Molineux, Beth Mooney, Ellyse Perry, Megan Schutt, Annabel Sutherland, Georgia Wareham.