Australia have named Lucy Hamilton in their squad for the ICC Women’s T20 World Cup 2026, with the left-arm quick winning a place ahead of Darcie Brown.
Why Hamilton got the nod
Hamilton has made a fast start to her international career. She debuted in Tests and ODIs against India in March, then played her first T20I against the West Indies, and has settled in as a versatile bowler.
National selector Shawn Flegler said Brown was unlucky and that the choice came down to expected conditions and squad balance. With at least six right-arm pace options already, and raw pace expected to count for less, the selectors wanted the variation Hamilton offers as a left-arm quick.
Hamilton is one of seven pace-bowling choices, alongside Megan Schutt and Kim Garth, and the all-rounders Annabel Sutherland, Tahlia McGrath, Ellyse Perry and Nicola Carey. Carey is back in a T20 World Cup squad for the first time since 2020, and Perry is set for a tenth appearance at the event, having played in every edition since 2009.
New captain, spin options
Sophie Molineux leads the side for the first time at a World Cup after Alyssa Healy retired in March. Flegler said she has already made her mark and built a strong bond with the group on recent tours. She is one of four spinners, with Ashleigh Gardner, Georgia Wareham and Alana King, who impressed in the West Indies series. Beth Mooney is the only specialist wicketkeeper, and Tahlia Wilson travels as reserve.
Fixtures
Australia are in Group A with Bangladesh, India, the Netherlands, Pakistan and South Africa, and open on June 13 against South Africa.
Full squad
Sophie Molineux (c), Ashleigh Gardner (vc), Tahlia McGrath (vc), Ellyse Perry, Nicola Carey, Kim Garth, Lucy Hamilton, Alana King, Grace Harris, Phoebe Litchfield, Georgia Voll, Beth Mooney, Megan Schutt, Annabel Sutherland and Georgia Wareham. Travelling reserve: Tahlia Wilson.
