Australia’s all-rounder Sophie Molineux has been ruled out of the upcoming three-match One Day International (ODI) series against New Zealand after suffering a knee injury, and pace all-rounder Heather Graham is named her replacement.
New Zealand is set to host Australia for a three-match ODI series commencing on December 19. All three matches will be played at Basin Reserve in Wellington.
The left-arm spinner played in the final two ODIs in Australia’s recent ODI series against India but pulled up a sore in the final ODI at Perth. Notably, Sophie battled issues with her knee throughout the summer. Leading the Melbourne Renegades in WBBL 10, she missed out on several games in their maiden title-winning season.
Cricket Australia stated,” Sophie Molineux ruled out of New Zealand ODI series due to knee injury has been withdrawn from the NZ Series due to knee soreness,” Cricket Australia said in a statement. “Heather Graham will join the squad in New Zealand on Tuesday, following Tasmania’s Women’s National Cricket League matches against New South Wales in Hobart.”
This latest setback adds to a series of challenges she has faced in the last two years, which had her sidelined from 2021 to 2023 due to foot and knee injuries.
Molinueux’s injury further complicates her return to form with the highly anticipated multi-format Ashes against England just four weeks away as she faces a race against time to regain fitness.
While Molineux’s absence remains a significant blow for Australia, Australia is also monitoring the fitness of their regular skipper Alyssa Healy. The wicket-keeper batter recently missed the ODI series against India due to a knee injury but is likely to make her comeback in the series against New Zealand.
The three-match ODI series against New Zealand is part of the ICC Women’s Championship and Australia will look to continue their impressive form having recently white-washed India in a three-match ODI series.
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