As Australia hosts India for a blockbuster multi-format series from February 15 to March 6, 2026, all eyes turn to the Sydney Cricket Ground for the 1st T20I on February 15 at 1:45 PM IST. Led by skipper Harmanpreet Kaur, India faces a formidable Australian side in what doubles as a poignant farewell for all-format captain and wicket-keeper batter Alyssa Healy, retiring after the conclusion of the multi-format series.
Amid this high-stakes clash kicking off with three T20Is, followed by ODIs and a pink-ball Test, three players stand out for Australia: Sophie Molineux, Phoebe Litchfield, and Annabel Sutherland. Their form could prove to be very crucial for the home side under the lights of the iconic Sydney Cricket Ground (SCG).
Sophie Molineux
Sophie Molineux, the 28-year-old left-arm spin bowling all-rounder, steps up as Alyssa Healy’s successor to lead Australia across all three formats, and she’ll captain the T20I leg against India. After battling injuries in recent years, Molineux brings proven experience, a calm head under-pressure, and firepower. She has snared 41 wickets at an average of 18.68 and an economy of 5.78 across 38 innings in 38 T20Is, including a four-wicket haul. With the bat, she’s chipped in 58 runs in 11 innings.
Against India specifically, she has claimed 6 wickets at 30.50 average and 7.32 economy in 8 innings and 8 matches, plus 10 runs in three innings. On home soil, her record shines brighter: 16 wickets at 20.68 average and 5.91 economy in 16 innings and matches, with 34 runs in five innings. As captain in Healy’s shadow, expect Molineux to spin webs and steady the ship in this emotional opener.
Phoebe Litchfield
Phoebe Litchfield, the 22-year-old left-handed top-order batter, embodies Australia’s batting aggression. In 27 T20Is, she has amassed 440 runs at a blistering strike rate of 140.12 and an average of 31.42 across 22 innings, boasting two half-centuries. Her recent exploits in the 4th edition of the WPL for UP Warriorz were electric: 243 runs at 154.77 strike rate and 40.50 average in 6 innings and matches, including two fifties, finishing as their second-highest scorer.
Versus India, Litchfield has plundered 110 runs at 146.66 strike rate and 55 average in 5 innings and 6 matches, though yet to hit a fifty. At home, she’s even deadlier: 225 runs at 153.06 strike rate and 32.14 average in 10 innings across 12 matches, with two half-centuries. In Sydney’s batting paradise, Litchfield could put immense pressure on the Indian bowling lineup early on in the game, setting the tone for Healy’s swansong series.
Annabel Sutherland
Annabel Sutherland, the 24-year-old star all-rounder, skipped the recent WPL for personal reasons but returns with menace. In 45 T20Is, she’s scored 191 runs at 139.41 strike rate and 11.93 average across 21 innings, yet to notch a half-century. Her bowling, however, is lethal: 40 wickets at 19.20 average and 6.44 economy in 42 innings, including two four-wicket hauls.
Against India, Sutherland dominates with 11 wickets at 16.54 average and 6.74 economy in 12 innings and 13 matches. This all-round threat could tilt the game Australia’s way, blending seam bite with middle-order muscle. Fresh and focused, she’ll be key in pressure situations for Australia, while honouring Alyssa Healy’s legacy.
Loves all things female cricket