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Australia back Molineux but leave captaincy door ajar
Shawn Flegler has acknowledged Sophie Molineux's captaincy could come under review if her injury concerns persist, following renewed scrutiny around the leadership appointment.
Cricket Australia's decision to elevate Molineux as successor to Alyssa Healy raised questions at the time, given her injury record and competition from senior figures such as Tahlia McGrath and Ash Gardner.
Molineux, who debuted in 2018, missed more than two years between 2021 and 2023 due to injury and was also sidelined for the recent Ashes with a knee issue. Further setbacks emerged during Australia's multi-format series against India and the subsequent tour of the West Indies, where a back problem restricted her involvement. She did not bowl or bat in the opening matches of that tour and was rested for the final two fixtures.
Flegler described the situation as less than ideal but reiterated that a cautious approach had been planned with this year's T20 World Cup in mind. He conceded that appointing a captain with such ongoing fitness uncertainty was unusual, but said the selection panel believed Molineux remained the best overall candidate based on her experience, leadership qualities and connection with the group.
He added that while the organisation was comfortable with the decision, it would remain open to reassessment if long-term injuries again interrupted her availability. The selector indicated that multiple discussions had informed the appointment, rather than a single decision point, acknowledging external perceptions may differ.
Molineux is expected to participate in upcoming training camps and is targeting full fitness for the T20 World Cup in the UK in June.
The update coincided with the announcement of Australia's latest national contract list. Uncapped players Chloe Ainsworth and Lucy Hamilton were included for the first time, with 19-year-old Hamilton having already debuted across all three formats since early March.
Meanwhile, Tayla Vlaeminck and Tess Flintoff were omitted from the list. Vlaeminck has recently returned to action in a domestic match after more than 500 days out with a shoulder injury.