Get AllPanel Login readers can follow the latest Australia women’s cricket news as Sophie Molineux and Lucy Hamilton have been ruled out of the upcoming ODI series against Bangladesh. Both players are dealing with injuries, but Australia expects them to return for the T20I series against New Zealand.
Australia will play Bangladesh in a three-match ODI series from October 9 to 14 in Brisbane. Tahlia McGrath will captain the team during the series. Ashleigh Gardner could take charge of the T20I side if Molineux does not recover in time for the matches against New Zealand.
Molineux Misses Bangladesh ODI Series
Molineux has been managing a hip injury since returning from The Hundred. The problem initially appeared to be minor, but her recovery has taken longer than expected.
National selector Shawn Flegler confirmed that the injury has not improved enough for Molineux to play the Bangladesh ODIs. The captain will remain with the squad during the tour and continue her recovery.
Australia hopes Molineux will be available when the team faces New Zealand in the T20I series. Those matches are scheduled for October 18 to 22 in Sydney.
Molineux has been an important part of Australia’s recent white-ball plans. Her absence means McGrath will take responsibility for the ODI captaincy during the Bangladesh series.
Hamilton Also Ruled Out
Lucy Hamilton will also miss the ODI series after suffering a minor quad strain during training. The left-arm bowler is expected to recover in time for the T20I matches against New Zealand.
Australia currently has only 12 players available for the Bangladesh ODIs. The matches will take place across six days at Allan Border Field.
The selectors may add another player after the next round of Women’s National Cricket League matches. Flegler said the team management wants to assess the available players before making the final decision.
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Brown Remains Unavailable
Darcie Brown will miss both the Bangladesh and New Zealand series because of a back injury. She picked up the problem during Australia A’s tour of India and remains under assessment.
The injury could keep Brown away from cricket for several weeks. Flegler explained that the team will initially reduce her bowling and running workload before beginning a gradual return.
The worst-case recovery period could reach around 10 weeks. However, Australia remains hopeful that Brown can return in time to play some part in the Women’s Big Bash League later in October.
Her longer-term availability will also be monitored ahead of Australia’s future international commitments.
Grace Harris Misses Selection
Grace Harris has also been left out of the squad for both series. The experienced all-rounder was part of Australia’s T20 World Cup-winning team.
Flegler described Harris as unfortunate to miss selection because the reduced T20 squad has created fewer opportunities for players. However, he confirmed that she remains in consideration for future selection.
Australia will therefore enter the Bangladesh ODI series with several changes to its expected lineup. McGrath will lead the side, while the selectors continue to monitor injuries and assess possible replacements.
The Bangladesh series will provide Australia with an opportunity to test its depth before attention turns toward the T20I matches against New Zealand.
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Australia Looks Ahead
Despite the injury concerns, Australia has several experienced players available for the Bangladesh series. McGrath’s leadership will be an important part of the team’s plans, while Gardner remains part of the leadership group.
The selectors will continue monitoring Molineux, Hamilton, and Brown as their recovery progresses. Australia will hope the injured players return without setbacks and become available for upcoming competitions.
For now, the focus remains on the Bangladesh ODIs, with Australia preparing for a busy period of international cricket.