Melbourne, 30 September (H.S.): Australia have announced their women’s squad for the upcoming ODI series against Bangladesh and T20I series against New Zealand, with Sophie Molineux named captain for both assignments. However, Molineux’s availability will remain under close scrutiny as she continues her recovery from a hip injury.

Cricket Australia confirmed that Molineux has been included in the squad, but a final decision on her participation in the series will be made once she has fully recovered from the injury. National selector Shawn Flegler said Molineux is managing the hip issue and that her condition will be assessed over the coming days.

Australia have selected a 14-member squad for the two series. Fast bowler Darcie Brown has been ruled out with a back injury, while Lucy Hamilton will be unavailable for the ODI series against Bangladesh because of a quad strain. She is, however, expected to be fit in time for the T20I series against New Zealand.

Grace Harris has not been included in the squad. Flegler made it clear that she remains part of Australia’s plans for the future, explaining that the smaller size of the T20 squad and limited opportunities during the World Cup had contributed to her omission.

The three-match ODI series against Bangladesh is scheduled to begin on October 9. All three matches will be played at Allan Border Field in Brisbane, with the first ODI on October 9, the second on October 11 and the third on October 14.

Australia will then face New Zealand in a three-match T20I series. The first match is scheduled for October 18, followed by the second on October 20 and the third on October 22 at North Sydney Oval in Sydney.

Flegler said the six matches following the World Cup would provide a demanding test for the Australian side, with Bangladesh and New Zealand presenting different challenges.

Australia squad: Nicola Carey, Ashleigh Gardner, Kim Garth, Lucy Hamilton, Alana King, Phoebe Litchfield, Tahlia McGrath (vice-captain), Sophie Molineux (captain), Beth Mooney, Ellyse Perry, Megan Schutt, Annabel Sutherland, Georgia Voll and Georgia Wareham.

Lucy Hamilton will be unavailable for the ODI series against Bangladesh.

---------------

Hindusthan Samachar / Jun Sarkar