Sophie Molineux in doubt for Bangladesh ODI series due to hip injury

Australia women’s cricket team captain Sophie Molineux is in doubt for the upcoming ODI series against Bangladesh, set to be played in October after picking up a hip injury. Molineux wasn’t a part of the Victoria squad for the opening round of Women’s National Cricket League (WNCL) matches, which begins on September 29.

Australia's squad for Bangladesh ODIs is due to be named on Wednesday, and Molineux’s selection is subject to further assessment.

"Sophie has an injury to her hip joint and her involvement in the upcoming series will continue to be assessed,” a CA spokesperson was quoted as saying by ESPNCricinfo.

Sophie Molineux’s career has been marred by several injuries so far. The start of her captaincy was also interrupted due to a back issue earlier this year. She was a part of the West Indies tour only as a batter and later recovered to fulfil the all-rounder’s role at the T20 World Cup, where she led Australia to their record-extending seventh title.

Should Molineux fail to make it to the team, Tahlia McGrath and Ashleigh Gardner, who were named joint vice-captains earlier this year, will fill in her shoes as captain.

McGrath and Gardner to fill in as captain

McGrath captained the team in the West Indies earlier in the year when Molineux didn't play but didn’t feature in the playing XI throughout the T20 World Cup. On the other hand, Gardner has been given the backing of the Cricket Australia board to remain vice-captain following allegations of cheating by her partner, which led to the breakdown of her marriage.

Australia are set to play six matches in October as they will host New Zealand for three T20Is against New Zealand after the Bangladesh ODIs. The White Ferns will then return in March to play three ODIs after the inaugural Champions Trophy in India.