Sophie Molineux ruled out of India series, doubtful for West Indies tour
Sophie Molineux (Source: X/@AusWomenCricket)
Published - 27 Feb 2026, 09:35 AM• Read time - 2 mins
Australian all-rounder Sophie Molineux has been ruled out of the ongoing multi-format series with India after suffering back soreness. The news came to light on the afternoon of the second ODI in Hobart today where it was learnt that Molineux experienced lower back pain after the first ODI in Brisbane.
The 28-year-old was, thus, left out of the playing XI and a Cricket Australia statement revealed the details of the left-armer's injury and the length of time for which she might be out of the team.
"Sophie Molineux has experienced some lower back pain and will not be available for the remainder of the series. She will continue to be monitored ahead of the upcoming tour to the West Indies," a Cricket Australia statement said.
Who will captain Australia in the West Indies?
Australia are slated to tour the Caribbean next month and, notably, Molineux is set to take over the leadership duties from Alyssa Healy in all the formats for the first time. But, with the injury and what the board statement mentioned, it is not certain whether she would be able to recover in time to hop on the flight to the West Indies.
So, the question arises who would captain the side if Molineux misses out? It would either be Ashleigh Gardner or Tahlia McGrath who are the anointed joint vice-captains. Notably, Molineux was named the vice-captain for the ongoing ODIs and the one-off Test with Healy being the skipper in her last international series. As it happens, McGrath has been given the vice captaincy for the ongoing second ODI in Molineux's absence.
Meanwhile, the southpaw has had a torrid time since the last year when she suffered a knee injury which kept her out of the game for the majority of the year. Equally troubling has been Australia's case who are currently without the services of Ellyse Perry and Kim Garth as well who both suffered quad strains during the third T20I in Adelaide on February 21. Whether the duo would be available for the Test in Perth starting from March 6 is not certain.
