Sophie Molineux did not become captain of Australia’s cricket team because of a crisis or a coup, and yet she has found herself at the helm of a squad eager to navigate out of a major setback.
Molineux was named skipper last month, replacing Alyssa Healy who announced her retirement. Molineux will lead Australia’s squad in a multi-format series against their World Cup conquerors India starting this weekend.
Sophie Molineux is hoping to start her tenure as captain with a series win over India.Credit: Janie Barrett
The series will mark Healy’s final act and the first time the Australians have come together since India eliminated them at the semi-finals of the World Cup in October. The Indians went on to win the tournament, beating South Africa in the final.
For the Australians, the upcoming series – starting with a T20 match at the SCG on Sunday night – will be a chance for revenge.
“We’ve had a bit of time to reflect,” Molineux said. “It was such a good tour – that was, I think, the hardest part to cop. We had a really good time off the field together and we played really, really good cricket, and we went through undefeated until that semi-final, so I think that’s why it was so hard to cop.
“Off the back of that we went straight into Big Bash, but I think all of us still were wearing it pretty heavily, the loss.”
The Indians celebrate their World Cup semi-final win over Australia last October.Credit: Getty Images
Meeting India again, first in three T20 matches, then three one-day internationals and one four-day Test, will be the first challenge for the new captain. It’s also a chance to try out new talent, such as 19-year-old left-handed fast bowler Lucy Hamilton, and those returning to the squad for the first time in years, as 32-year-old Nicola Carey has done.
“It’s quite ironic I suppose,” Molineux said of facing India again. “I think they’re going to come over here with a lot of confidence off the back of that World Cup and how much momentum they gained over there from India.
