Sophie Molineux to Miss Women's Ashes Due to Knee Surgery
Australia allrounder Sophie Molineux will be absent for the multi-format Women's Ashes, which kicks off with the ODI series on January 12. Molineux, who led the Melbourne Renegades to a WBBL title earlier this month despite managing a knee issue, has been struggling with soreness following the India series. She missed Australia’s three-match ODI series in New Zealand and has now been advised to undergo surgery on her left knee, which will keep her out of action for an extended period.
Team physiotherapist Kate Beerworth confirmed the news, stating, "Sophie Molineux will undergo left knee surgery next month, and we will provide further updates on her anticipated return once the surgery is completed."
The absence of Molineux is a significant blow for Australia, as the allrounder has been a key player for the team in recent years. Australia will be looking to adjust to her absence as they prepare for the Ashes series against England.
Meanwhile, Australia’s captain Alyssa Healy, who also dealt with a knee injury earlier in the season, has made a successful return to action. She played in the New Zealand ODIs, though she did not take up wicketkeeping duties, leaving that responsibility to Beth Mooney. It remains to be seen if Healy will return to her wicketkeeping role for the Ashes, or if Mooney will continue behind the stumps.
Australia has rewarded Georgia Voll with her first-ever call-up to an Ashes series after her standout performances against India, where she amassed 173 runs in three games, including a brilliant century. Voll had been added to the squad for the India series in place of Healy and has impressed with her batting abilities.
The Australian squad for the Ashes series also includes stars like Tahlia McGrath, Beth Mooney, Ashleigh Gardner, and Ellyse Perry, with the team looking to extend their dominance in the multi-format series. The ODIs, scheduled from January 12 to 17, will be followed by T20Is from January 20 to 25.
The series will culminate in a historic day-night Test match at the MCG, starting January 30. This will be the first-ever women’s Test match played under lights at the iconic venue and the first women’s Test at the MCG since 1948-49. Australia’s squad for the Test match is yet to be announced.
With Molineux sidelined, Australia will need to adapt their strategies, but they are well-equipped with a strong squad ready for the challenge.
