Sophie Molineux to lead as Australia drop Darcie Brown for Women’s T20 World Cup 2026

Australia women's national cricket team have announced their squad for the 2026 ICC Women’s T20 World Cup, marking the team’s first major tournament since the retirement of former captain Alyssa Healy. Spinner Sophie Molineux will lead the side, while Ashleigh Gardner and Tahlia McGrath have been named vice-captains. Healy had announced earlier this year that she would retire following the India series, ending her ODI career in style with a brilliant 158-run knock against India in March.

Her departure opened a new chapter for the Australian side ahead of the T20 World Cup, which will be held in England and Wales from June 12 to July 5. The tournament will feature 12 teams competing across 33 matches at seven venues, with the final scheduled to take place at Lord's Cricket Ground. Australia will begin their campaign against South Africa women's national cricket team at Old Trafford on June 13.

Defending champions New Zealand women's national cricket team enter the tournament after defeating South Africa in the 2024 final held in the UAE. Australia, meanwhile, had won the 2023 edition in South Africa, securing their sixth T20 World Cup title and third consecutive crown. One of the biggest talking points from Australia’s squad announcement was the inclusion of left-arm pacer Lucy Hamilton in place of Darcie Brown, who misses out despite claiming 34 wickets in 41 T20 internationals.

The squad also sees the return of Grace Harris and all-rounder Annabel Sutherland. Australia Women’s T20 World Cup 2026 Squad: Sophie Molineux (captain), Nicola Carey, Ashleigh Gardner (vice-captain), Kim Garth, Lucy Hamilton, Grace Harris, Alana King, Phoebe Litchfield, Tahlia McGrath (vice-captain), Beth Mooney, Ellyse Perry, Megan Schutt, Annabel Sutherland, Georgia Voll, Georgia Wareham, and Tahlia Wilson (travelling reserve).