Cricket Australia is all set to announce Sophie Molineux as their all-format captain to replace the legendary Alyssa Healy. Notably, Healy will be retiring
after the upcoming multi-format series against India. Healy's last assignment in the national colours is slated to run across February and March in a multi-format setting.
The 28-year-old bowling all-rounder will take over from Healy after the India series, as per a report doing rounds in the media. Molineux has played three Tests, 17 ODIs and 38 T20Is for Australia after having made her international debut in March 2018.
Healy had earlier in the month made it public that the upcoming series against India will be her last assignment. The series, which has three T20Is in addition to three ODIs and a one-off Test, will not see the departing cricketer feature in the shortest format. The wicketkeeper-batter had stated that she wanted the team to build and grow with a new leader, as the T20 World Cup will be played later in the year.
Speaking of Molineux, she has led the Melbourne Renegades in the Women's Big Bash League since 2021. She was also an integral component in their title triumph in the 2024-25 season. According to the same 7Cricket, vice-captain Tahlia McGrath was not handed over the reins of the national team because of not being in the best of form of late.
Healy had recently spoken candidly on her decision to hang up her boots. She admitted to having somewhat lost the will to enjoy the game for what it is and also felt that age was catching up with her.
"It's been a long time coming. The last few years has been probably more mentally draining than anything else. A few injuries. I've got to dive into the well, and the well is getting less and less full of water. Getting harder to dive back in there. I've always felt like I've had a competitive edge in that I want to compete, I want to win and I want to challenge myself on the park. I've felt as I've got a little bit older, I've not necessarily lost all of it, but I've lost some of that," shared Healy on Willow Talk.
Australia will be keen on avenging their Women's World Cup semi-final loss to India. The Women in Blue had chased a record 339 to upset the favourites. The multi-format bilateral series is scheduled to kick-off on February 15.
