Australia faces a fresh injury setback ahead of the Ashes, with Sophie Molineux ruled out of the women’s ODI tour of New Zealand due to knee soreness. Molineux has been struggling with knee issues throughout the summer, even missing several games during the WBBL while playing for Melbourne Renegades to manage pain. She played in the last two games of Australia’s 3-0 series win over India but reported discomfort after the final match in Perth.
Molineux’s absence means Heather Graham, the bowling allrounder, will take her place in the squad for the three ODIs against New Zealand, which will be crucial preparation for the upcoming Ashes series. The Ashes, which begins next month, will be a significant challenge for Australia as they look to defend the trophy for the fifth consecutive time.
Cricket Australia confirmed Molineux’s withdrawal, and Graham will join the squad in New Zealand after her Women’s National Cricket League matches for Tasmania. With Molineux out, Georgia Wareham is set to replace her in the playing XI for the first ODI against New Zealand on Thursday, after missing the final two games against India.
On a positive note, Australia’s captain Alyssa Healy will travel with the team after missing the India series due to her knee injury. Healy’s return presents a selection dilemma as Georgia Voll impressed in her absence, making scores of 46*, 101, and 26. Healy’s return will likely see her resume opening duties with Phoebe Litchfield, which could push Voll down the order or out of the playing XI entirely.
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