New Delhi, 18 March (H.S.): Australia women’s cricket captain Sophie Molineux has declared herself ready to step back into the fray for the upcoming white‑ball tour of the West Indies, where Australia will fine‑tune its preparations for the ICC Women’s T20 World Cup 2026.

Speaking from St Vincent, Molineux said she is available and eager to play her role, though the exact nature of her involvement across the six‑match series remains under review as she continues to manage a back injury.

The three‑match T20I series (19, 21 and 23 March in St Vincent) will be followed by a three‑match ODI series (27 and 29 March and 2 April in St Kitts), giving both teams crucial match‑practice ahead of the World Cup. For Australia, Molineux stressed that every fixture is vital because “we don’t have too many games left before the T20 World Cup,” and the side must ensure it is moving in the right direction tactically and in terms of combinations.

Australia will open the ICC Women’s T‑20 World Cup 2026 in Group 1 alongside India, South Africa, Pakistan, Bangladesh and the Netherlands, while West Indies, England, New Zealand, Sri Lanka, Ireland and Scotland make up Group 2.

The hot‑streak‑seeking hosts view the entire Caribbean tour as a dress rehearsal for the high‑pressure tournament scheduled for June–July in England.

Molineux missed the latter part of Australia’s home ODIs against India after developing back soreness, and selectors had been cautious about exposing her too early for the West Indies assignment. However, recent updates suggest she is now close to full fitness and is expected to at least feature in the T20I leg.

At a media briefing in St Vincent, the all‑rounder said, “It’s certain, I am ready to fill my role and get back on the field. I am really looking forward to being back out there with the girls.” She stopped short of confirming whether she will bat, bowl or be rested in parts of the tour, but left the door open to a rotational approach where she might skip some 50‑over games if needed, to keep her body fresh for the T20 World Cup.

On the other side, West Indies captain Hayley Matthews called the series “very important” for her team, describing it as a strong litmus test of where they stand as a unit. “We want to get some good results and learn a lot from this series, so we can go into the World Cup with clearer ideas,” Matthews said.

Her side, which includes veteran campaigners like Stafanie Taylor and Deandra Dottin, plans to field a full‑steam attacking line‑up against the defending powerhouse Australia.

With the opening T20I on 19 March at Arnos Vale, the spotlight will be on Molineux’s deployment—whether as an all‑round anchor, a part‑time pacemaker, or a leadership‑only presence—while the selectors weigh short‑term series demands against long‑term World‑Cup imperatives.

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Hindusthan Samachar / Jun Sarkar