Sophie Molineux with T20 WC trophy [Source: X]Australia Women will return to international cricket following their triumphant T20 World Cup campaign with a challenging white-ball schedule against Bangladesh and New Zealand. The defending champions will begin their assignments with a three-match ODI series against Bangladesh in Brisbane from October 9 to 14, followed by three T20Is against New Zealand in Sydney between October 18 and 22. However, the Australian selectors have some fitness concerns to address ahead of the upcoming international commitments.Sophie Molineux named captain of squad despite injurySophie Molineux has retained the captaincy of Australia's ODI and T20I squads despite carrying a hip injury that could affect her participation in the upcoming series. The left-arm spinner was instrumental in Australia's successful T20 World Cup campaign in England, featuring in every match despite overcoming a back injury earlier in the year.Molineux has been included in both squads, but her availability will be assessed closer to the matches. Tahlia McGrath and Ashleigh Gardner will continue as vice-captains, providing leadership options if the skipper is unavailable.Australia's ODI and T20I squads:Sophie Molineux (c), Tahlia McGrath (vc), Ashleigh Gardner (vc), Nicola Carey, Kim Garth, Lucy Hamilton (T20I only), Alana King, Phoebe Litchfield, Beth Mooney, Ellyse Perry, Megan Schutt, Annabel Sutherland, Georgia Voll and Georgia WarehamThe squad largely retains the core of Australia's World Cup-winning team, with Grace Harris the other notable omission alongside the injured Lucy Hamilton. National selector Shawn Flegler explained Molineux's situation, stating, "Sophie has been named in the squad but has been managing a hip injury, so her involvement in the series will continue to be assessed over the coming days."Also Read- Injury Scare For Sophie Molineux Again; Bangladesh Series Under Threat!Lucy Hamilton in a race against time to join T20I squadMeanwhile, Australia's fast-bowling resources have suffered setbacks ahead of the Bangladesh and New Zealand assignments, with Lucy Hamilton and Darcie Brown ruled out of the ODI series and the entire tour, respectively.Hamilton sustained a minor quad strain during a Queensland training session, ruling her out of the three ODIs against Bangladesh in Brisbane. However, the selectors remain hopeful that the left-arm pacer will recover in time for the T20I series against New Zealand, which begins on October 18 at North Sydney Oval."Lucy suffered a mild quad strain at training, but we're hopeful she'll recover in time to be fit and firing for the T20 series," Flegler said.Meanwhile, South Australian pacer Darcie Brown has been sidelined with a back injury after being assessed upon her return from the Australia A tour of India. Her availability for the Women's Big Bash League will be determined in the coming weeks.Hamilton's potential return will be particularly important as Australia prepare for their first T20Is since the World Cup triumph. The three matches against New Zealand will also serve as their only T20I assignment before the inaugural T20 Champions Trophy in India next February.Gardner, Sutherland, Mooney lead Australia's wrath against Bangladesh and New ZealandAustralia's upcoming series will feature several established performers who have delivered significant contributions across formats over the last three years. In ODIs, Ashleigh Gardner has scored 260 runs in seven matches at an average of 65, including a century and a highest score of 115. She has also taken 11 wickets at an impressive average of 19.27. Sutherland has been equally influential, scoring 210 runs at an average of 105, including a century, alongside eight wickets at 16.75.Alana King, the ICC top-ranked ODI bowler, has claimed 10 wickets in seven ODIs at an average of 13, while Kim Garth has taken eight wickets in five matches at 15.12. Phoebe Litchfield has also contributed 221 runs at an average of 36.83, providing Australia with batting stability.In T20Is, Beth Mooney has accumulated 310 runs in 11 matches at an average of 34.44, while Ellyse Perry has scored 228 runs at 38 and taken three wickets at 10.66. Georgia Wareham has also delivered with both bat and ball, scoring 126 runs and picking up 12 wickets in 11 T20Is. Meanwhile, Georgia Voll has amassed 206 runs in just four matches at an average of 68.66, making her another batting option to watch.With the Bangladesh ODIs forming part of the ICC Women's Championship, Australia will also have valuable opportunities to strengthen their qualification campaign for the 2029 ODI World Cup.Also Read- Ravindra Jadeja Or Axar Patel? Indian Coach Gives Massive Selection Hint For 2027 ODI World Cup
