The Australia women’s national cricket team has unveiled its squad for the 2026 ICC Women’s T20 World Cup, setting the tone for a new era after the retirement of long-time leader Alyssa Healy. The group’s leadership core will be steered by spinner Sophie Molineux, with Ashleigh Gardner and Tahlia McGrath appointed as vice-captains.
Healy had earlier confirmed that she would step away after the India series, concluding her ODI career in memorable fashion with a 158-run knock against India in March. That decision leaves Australia looking at the tournament in England and Wales as a fresh chapter, with the competition scheduled to run from June 12 to July 5.
Quick facts
- Australia women’s squad announced for the 2026 ICC Women’s T20 World Cup
- Sophie Molineux named captain; Ashleigh Gardner and Tahlia McGrath named vice-captains
- Healy’s retirement confirmed after the India series; ODI finale included a 158-run innings vs India in March
- Tournament: 12 teams, 33 matches, seven venues; final at Lord’s
- Australia opener: vs South Africa on June 13 at Old Trafford
- New Zealand are defending champions after winning the 2024 final vs South Africa in the UAE
- Australia won the 2023 edition in South Africa for their sixth title and third straight crown
- Lucy Hamilton included as a left-arm pacer in place of Darcie Brown
Australia’s campaign begins against South Africa women’s national cricket team at Old Trafford on June 13. The wider tournament format will see 12 sides play 33 matches across seven venues, culminating with the final at Lord’s Cricket Ground.
New Zealand arrive as defending champions after beating South Africa in the 2024 final held in the UAE. Australia, meanwhile, will carry the momentum of their 2023 success in South Africa, when they captured a sixth Women’s T20 World Cup crown and extended their run to a third consecutive title.
What shaped the selection
One of the headline inclusions in Australia’s squad is left-arm pacer Lucy Hamilton, brought in instead of Darcie Brown. Brown misses out despite taking 34 wickets in 41 T20 internationals, leaving Hamilton to play a key role in the team’s bowling plans.
The squad also features the return of Grace Harris and all-rounder Annabel Sutherland, adding further depth to Australia’s batting and bowling options as the tournament approaches.
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).
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