Sophie Molineux: Australia name all-rounder as Alyssa Healy’s replacement as captain

Australia have named all-rounder Sophie Molineux as their women’s captain across all formats to take over from the retiring Alyssa Healy.

Wicketkeeper Healy announced earlier this month she will retire from all forms of cricket following the upcoming multi-format series against India.

Healy, 35, is not part of the squad for the T20 internationals that start the series, so Molineux, 28, will take charge of Australia for the first time in the opener on 15 February.

She will then be Healy’s deputy for the following one-day internationals and the one-off Test in Perth, which will be Healy’s final professional appearance.

“It’s a real honour to be named Australian captain and something I’m incredibly proud of, especially following on from Alyssa, who’s had such a huge impact on this team and the game,” said Molineux.

“We’ve got a really strong group with plenty of natural leaders, alongside a lot of exciting talent coming through. I’m really looking forward to working together as we keep evolving and pushing ourselves to the next level, while staying true to the identity that makes this team so special.”

Australia host India in three T20s, three ODIs and one Test between 15 February and 9 March.