Molineux fit to lead against West Indies, Sutherland rested

Tahlia Wilson has earned her maiden call-up as Australia have announced a 15-member squad for the upcoming white-ball series against West Indies.

Annabel Sutherland has been rested to manage her workload, while Sophie Molineux will lead the side across both formats. Ashleigh Gardner and Tahlia McGrath have been named as joint vice-captains should Molineux be unavailable.

Molineux led Australia in the T20I leg of the multi-format series against India before missing the first two ODIs with a back injury. The West Indies tour will be her first assignment as Australia’s full-time skipper following Alyssa Healy’s retirement.

"Being the final series before the T20 World Cup, it's a great opportunity for the group to refine our plans against a challenging opposition. This tour marks the beginning of a new era for the side, with Sophie taking the reins across all formats and a new-look batting line-up following Alyssa's retirement,” national selector Shawn Flegler said.

"Sophie was terrific during the recent T20 series against India and has already begun shaping her leadership style and this tour will be another important step in continuing to define how she wants to lead the side. Sophie is progressing well and is expected to be available to play. We'll prioritise the T20 matches and continue to assess her across the ODI series."

Speaking on Sutherland’s absence, Flegler highlighted the significant workload taken by the all-rounder in the last year.

"Annabel will miss the series as part of a proactive management plan after a significant workload over the past 12 months, and we believe the extended rest will help ensure she's at her best ahead of the World Cup," he said.

Left-arm pacer Lucy Hamilton, who shone against India in the one-off pink-ball Test in Perth, and all-rounder Nicola Carey have retained their spots, while Grace Harris has not been included.

"We're really pleased with how well Lucy has transitioned to international cricket, she's had a staggered introduction and we expect she'll get an opportunity to show what she can do in the T20 format as well," Flegler said. "Grace has missed selection, but we obviously know what she's capable of and she remains firmly in our thinking ahead of the World Cup."

The three T20Is will be played in St Vincent on March 19, 21 and 23, followed by as many ODIs in St Kitts on March 27, 29 and April 2.

Australia squad for West Indies tour

Darcie Brown, Nicola Carey, Ashleigh Gardner, Kim Garth, Lucy Hamilton, Alana King, Phoebe Litchfield, Tahlia McGrath, Sophie Molineux, Beth Mooney, Ellyse Perry, Megan Schutt, Georgia Voll, Georgia Wareham, Tahlia Wilson