Australia Women captain Sophie Molineux is a doubt for the home ODI series against Bangladesh because of a hip injury that is still being monitored.
Cricket Australia confirmed on September 28, 2026, that Molineux has been left out of Victoria’s squad for the first round of the Women’s National Cricket League, which starts on September 29.
The schedule ahead
Australia are due to play Bangladesh in three ODIs in Brisbane on October 9, 11 and 14, and the national squad is expected to be named on October 1. Three T20Is against New Zealand follow later in October, giving Australia six home matches during the month.
A history of setbacks
Molineux has dealt with several injuries in recent years, but regained full fitness in time for the T20 World Cup, where she captained Australia to the title. Earlier in 2026, a back problem restricted her to batting only during the tour of the West Indies.
Who could lead in her absence
Should she miss the Bangladesh series, vice-captains Tahlia McGrath and Ashleigh Gardner are among the options to lead the side. McGrath has done the job before, standing in as captain on the West Indies tour when Molineux was unavailable.
Cricket Australia will keep assessing her recovery before deciding whether she is available for the series.
