Annabel Sutherland will be rested from Australia’s upcoming white-ball tour of the Caribbean, with Lucy Hamilton set to make her T20I debut in the 15-member squad. The tour will feature new captain Sophie Molineux’s return after recovering from a back injury. The team will play six limited-overs matches starting from March 19, including three T20 Internationals crucial for the ICC Women’s T20 World Cup preparations.
Molineux, who missed part of the recent series against India due to injury, has regained fitness and is part of the squad for the Caribbean tour. The squad also includes uncapped batter Tahlia Wilson, while Lucy Hamilton and Nicola Carey retain their spots based on strong performances in the India series. Regular players Grace Harris and Annabel Sutherland will not participate in the tour to manage their workloads ahead of the upcoming World Cup.
Chief selector Shawn Flegler emphasized the importance of the Caribbean tour in Australia’s World Cup preparations. He welcomed Molineux back as the all-format captain post the retirement of former captain Alyssa Healy. Molineux, who had back soreness leading to her absence in the final India matches, is expected to be managed carefully during the tour to maintain her fitness.
If Molineux needs to miss matches, either Ashleigh Gardner or Tahlia McGrath, the joint vice-captains, will lead the team. Sutherland, who was outstanding against India and rested as part of workload management, will miss the series. Harris, not selected for the squad, remains under consideration for the World Cup. The Australia squad includes Sophie Molineux (c), Ashleigh Gardner (vc), Tahlia McGrath (vc), and others for the Caribbean tour.
