Australia Squad For T20 World Cup Announced (Source: AFP)
In a significant development, the Cricket Australia (CA) has named a strong 15-member squad for the upcoming ICC Women's T20 World Cup 2026. Star player Sophie Molineux has been named as the captain, with Ash Gardner named as her deputy.
It is important to note that Australia is in Group 1 alongside South Africa, India, Pakistan, Bangladesh, and the Netherlands. In Australia's first match of the tournament, Australia Women will face South Africa Women on June 13 at the Trafford in Manchester.
The 10th edition of the much-awaited ICC Women's T20 World Cup 2026 will be hosted by England and Wales from 12 June to 5 July 2026. In the first match of the tournament, England Women will lock horns against Sri Lanka Women on June 12.
Ahead of the marquee tournament, the Australia women will play three warm-up matches against South Africa Women. The matches will be played at Arundel Castle, starting on May 31.
Australia unveil squad for T20 World Cup 2026
Talking about the squad, Sophie Molineux will lead Australia as the captain for her first World Cup campaign following the retirement of legendary wicketkeeper-batter Alyssa Healy.
One of the surprise decisions from the selectors was the omission of fast bowler Darcie Brown from the Australia's final squad. Instead, selectors have gone with 20-year-old left-arm seamer Lucy Hamilton, who has impressed despite having very limited international experience.
She will be the only left-arm specialist seamer in the squad, joining a strong pace group that includes Kim Garth, Megan Schutt, Nicola Carey, Annabel Sutherland, Tahlia McGrath, and Ellyse Perry.
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Australia's selectors have placed a strong focus on spin bowling for the conditions expected in England. Leg-spinners Alana King and Georgia Wareham have both been selected alongside left-arm orthodox spinner Sophie Molineux and off-spin all-rounder Ashleigh Gardner.
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Power-hitter Grace Harris has also been included in the final squad. Following Alyssa Healy’s retirement, experienced batter Beth Mooney will take over wicketkeeping responsibilities for Australia at the World Cup.
The selectors have chosen only one specialist wicketkeeper in the main squad. However, Tahlia Wilson will travel with the team as a reserve player.
It is important to note that three players from RCB have been included in the squad: Grace Harris, Ellyse Perry, and Sophie Molineux.
"[Molineux is] our skipper and she's going to play... left-arm orthodox, it's highly valued in the women's game," Flegler said. "Georgia's been a No. 1 legspinner. Alana's come in and done really well. But I think the pecking order is pretty clear. We've got Ash, Soph and Georgia, and then if conditions allowed, then Alana comes into it as well." Speaking in Brisbane on Wednesday, national selector Shawn Flegler said.
Australia Women's T20 World Cup 2026 Squad- Sophie Molineux (capt), Ashleigh Gardner (vice-capt), Tahlia McGrath (vice-capt), Nicola Carey, Kim Garth, Lucy Hamilton, Grace Harris, Alana King, Phoebe Litchfield, Beth Mooney (wk), Ellyse Perry, Megan Schutt, Annabel Sutherland, Georgia Voll, Georgia Wareham.Travelling reserve: Tahlia Wilson (wk)
Australia’s T20 World Cup fixtures (group stage)
| Match | Date | Venue | Time |
| Australia vs South Africa | June 13 | Manchester | 2:30 PM |
| Australia vs Bangladesh | June 17 | Headingley | 10:30 AM |
| Australia vs Netherlands | June 20 | Hampshire Bowl | 10:30 AM |
| Australia vs Pakistan | June 23 | Headingley | 6:30 PM |
| Australia vs India | June 28 | Lord’s | 2:30 PM |
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