Australia captain Sophie Molineux could miss next month’s ODI series against Bangladesh after picking up a hip injury. The issue has already kept her out of Victoria’s squad for the opening WNCL matches, which begin tomorrow. Australia are set to announce their squad for the three Bangladesh ODIs on Wednesday, making her fitness a key concern before the series.
The three matches against Bangladesh will be played in Brisbane on October 9, 11 and 14. Cricket Australia confirmed that Molineux has an injury affecting her hip joint, but she has not been ruled out yet. “Sophie has an injury to her hip joint and her involvement in the upcoming series will continue to be assessed,” a Cricket Australia spokesperson said.
Injuries have been a regular part of Molineux’s career, and her latest setback follows a back problem earlier this year. That issue interrupted the start of her time as Australia captain. She travelled to the West Indies as a batter-only player before making a full return at the T20 World Cup. There, she resumed her all-round role and led Australia to the title.
Molineux has spoken about what she learned from repeated injuries. “I suppose the injuries have taken up a large chunk of the last few years for me,” she told Cricinfo. “But the lessons that you learn from going through it just makes me really grateful to be sitting here today with some pretty special memories under my belt.” Her return had helped her captain Australia through the World Cup.
Australia have six matches scheduled during October. The Bangladesh ODIs will be followed by three T20Is against New Zealand. New Zealand will return in March for three ODIs after the inaugural Champions Trophy in India. Her fitness will be watched closely as Australia enter a busy part of their calendar.
Tahlia McGrath and Ashleigh Gardner were appointed joint vice-captains earlier this year, providing Australia with two leadership options alongside Molineux. McGrath led the side during the West Indies tour when Molineux was unavailable. However, McGrath could not find a place in Australia’s XI throughout the T20 World Cup.
Gardner received support from the Cricket Australia board in August to remain vice-captain. This came after the public disclosure of her relationship with Georgia Voll, which resulted in the breakdown of Gardner’s marriage. Cricket Australia considered the situation before confirming its backing for Gardner to continue in the leadership group.
“While my separation from my wife is a personal matter, I understand my current relationship status needed to be addressed by Cricket Australia given my position as vice-captain,” Gardner said in an Instagram post. She also thanked the board for supporting her continued leadership role.
“I am grateful that the CA Board has chosen to support my continued leadership. I look forward to playing a strong role as a leader and providing the best possible support for my teammates in the season to come.” Gardner said while outlining her approach for the upcoming season.
For now, Molineux’s place in the Bangladesh series remains undecided. Her recovery from the earlier back issue had allowed her to return as a full all-rounder and guide Australia to the T20 World Cup title. The team will continue to assess her hip injury before confirming the squad for the three Brisbane matches.
The new injury creates another fitness concern for Molineux at the start of Australia’s season. The Bangladesh ODIs will be followed by New Zealand T20Is in October and three more ODIs in March. Her availability will depend on her recovery, while Australia wait for further updates.
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