Australia Names World Cup Squad Backing Injured Molineux

Australia has named a largely stable 15-player squad for the Women's ODI World Cup in India and Sri Lanka, with injured left-arm spinner Sophie Molineux included as a key player expected to return from knee surgery in time for the tournament. Although Molineux is unlikely to participate in the warm-up ODI series against India, team medical staff, including physio Kate Beerworth, are optimistic about her availability for the World Cup starting October 1. Fellow spinner Georgia Wareham has also recovered from an adductor injury and is back in full training, while captain Alyssa Healy has returned strongly from a foot injury. Uncapped players such as spinner Charli Knott and all-rounder Georgia Voll have been included, adding fresh talent to the squad. Australia's squad combines experience and youth, with several players like Phoebe Litchfield and Kim Garth set for their first 50-over World Cup appearances. The team aims to defend their title and secure an unprecedented eighth World Cup victory in the tournament featuring all eight teams playing each other before semi-finals and the final.