In a landmark move that signals a fresh chapter for the world’s most dominant force in women’s cricket, a new leader has been officially entrusted with the responsibility of steering the national side into the future. Following the conclusion of a highly successful era marked by multiple world titles, the decision comes as the team prepares for a rigorous home season and a major global tournament on the horizon. This leadership transition aims to blend the team’s legendary winning culture with a modern, tactical evolution.

Experienced all-rounder takes the reins of Australian Women’s Cricket Team

Cricket Australia has officially confirmed that spin-bowling all-rounder Sophie Molineux will succeed Alyssa Healy as the captain of the Australian women’s team across all three formats. The 28-year-old Victorian was unveiled as the successor to Healy, who recently announced her decision to retire from international cricket in March 2026. Molineux’s appointment marks a significant shift, as she was chosen over several high-profile candidates, including Tahlia McGrath and Ashleigh Gardner.

While McGrath will continue as vice-captain, the leadership structure has been further bolstered by the elevation of Ashleigh Gardner to a joint vice-captaincy role. Molineux is no stranger to leadership, having famously led the Melbourne Renegades to their maiden Women’s Big Bash League (WBBL) title in 2024 and captaining Victoria at the domestic level.

The transition will be phased to allow for a smooth handover. Molineux will officially debut as captain during the upcoming T20I series next month. However, for the ODI and Test portions of the immediate home summer, Healy will lead one final time with Molineux serving as her deputy. From the tour of the Caribbean in March onwards, Molineux will assume the full mantle of the “all-format” captaincy, carrying the weight of a legacy built by icons like Meg Lanning and Healy.

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India’s high-stakes multi-format tour Down Under

The first major challenge for this new leadership era arrives in mid-February 2026, as the India women’s cricket team touches down for a massive multi-format tour of Australia. This series is expected to be one of the most competitive bilateral contests in recent years, featuring a gruelling schedule that spans across seven matches in three different formats.

The tour kicks off on February 15, 2026, with a high-octane three-match T20I series. These matches will be held at iconic venues, including the Sydney Cricket Ground (SCG), Manuka Oval in Canberra, and the Adelaide Oval. Given the proximity of the next T20 World Cup, these fixtures will serve as a vital litmus test for both teams’ tactical setups and bench strength.

Following the shortest format, the rivalry shifts to the 50-over game with a three-match ODI series. These matches are scheduled for late February, with Brisbane’s Allan Border Field hosting the opener before the action moves to Bellerive Oval in Hobart for the final two encounters. The tour will reach its grand crescendo in early March with a one-off Day-Night Test match at the WACA Ground in Perth. This pink-ball fixture is anticipated to be a historic occasion, testing the endurance and technical prowess of both sides under the lights on one of the world’s fastest pitches.

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This article was first published at WomenCricket.com, a Cricket Times company.

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