In a big surprise, Australia has announced the squad for the upcoming ICC Women’s T20 World Cup 2026 to be held in England next month. The Australian selectors have surprised everyone by excluding fast bowler Darcy Brown from the final team.
The Australia women’s national cricket team will play three warm-up matches against the South Africa women’s national cricket team at Arundel Castle ahead of the showpiece event. Interestingly, both the teams will begin their ICC Women’s T20 World Cup 2026 campaign on June 13 in Manchester.
key points
- Australia has announced its squad for the ICC Women’s T20 World Cup 2026 to be held in England.
- Fast bowler Darcy Brown was surprisingly left out of the final squad.
- Sophie Molineux returned from a back injury and will captain the team.
- Teenage left-arm fast bowler Lucy Hamilton earned a surprise call-up ahead of Darcy Brown.
Sophie Molineux returns to Australia squad for ICC Women’s T20 World Cup 2026
In big positive news, Australia women’s captain Sophie Molineux She has overcome repeated stress reactions in recent times to make the ICC Women’s T20 World Cup 2026 squad.
The selectors went with a spin-heavy and slow-pitch strategy for the English conditions. Along with Molineux, the selectors have picked quality spin options like Alana King, Georgia Wareham and star all-rounder Ash Gardner.
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Australian selector Shawn Flegler told reporters, as quoted by ESPN Cricinfo: “(Molyneux) is our captain, and she’s going to play… left-handed orthodox; that’s highly valued in the women’s game. Georgia has been the No. 1 leg spinner. Alana has come in and she’s done really well. But I think the pecking order is very clear. We’ve got Ashe, Soph and Georgia, and then if conditions permit, Alana as well.” Are.” It also comes in this.”
Australia shocks fans by ignoring Darcy Brown for Lucy Hamilton
However, she dropped Darcy Brown by favoring young left-arm fast bowler Lucy Hamilton for the tournament. Brown’s exit has shocked many as he played a huge role in Australia’s title-winning campaign in 2023. Women’s T20 World Cup In South Africa.
But this year he had to struggle in T20 matches against India and West Indies. She failed to take wickets regularly, conceded runs at an expensive rate and did not even complete her full bowling spell in many matches.
Due to which, the selectors felt that England’s slow wickets required a different type of attack, and they brought in teenage sensation Lucy Hamilton. The 19-year-old made his international debut during the Caribbean tour a few months ago, but his left-arm angle and control in white-ball cricket has impressed the selectors.
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Darcy Brown ‘likely to be called during World Cup’
Flagler said, “She was obviously disappointed. We’ve been trying to make Dark a frontline bowler and bowl in that power play for the last few years, and she hasn’t been able to take advantage of that opportunity yet, but we still think she’ll have a great career for Australia as well. She’s still a young fast bowler; it’s certainly not the end, and she may be called up during the World Cup anyway.”
Hamilton now joins a strong pace attack including Megan Schutt, Kim Garth, Nicola Carey, Annabel Sutherland. Tahlia McGrathAnd great all-rounder Ellyse Perry. Interestingly, Hamilton will be the only left-arm fast bowler in the team, giving Australia a unique variation in their bowling attack.
Describing Hamilton’s selection, Australia coach Shelley Nitschke said, “She’s got some good bounce and she throws the ball really heavy; that’s really been the point of difference, especially for our attack. There aren’t a lot of guys around her.”
Grace Harris and Annabel Sutherland return for Women’s T20 World Cup
Meanwhile, Grace Harris made an impressive return to the team after missing the West Indies tour due to strong home performances. And Flagler said, “He’s an easy all-round option and someone who can take games away from the opponent.”
Annabel Sutherland also returns after rest for West Indies series. Following the retirement of Alyssa Healy from T20I cricket, Beth Mooney has been handed the wicketkeeping responsibility for the upcoming ICC Women’s T20 World Cup 2026. Young keeper Tahlia Wilson will travel with the team as a reserve substitute for the mega event.
Australia squad for ICC Women’s T20 World Cup 2026:
Sophie Molineux (c), Ashley Gardner (vc), Tahlia McGrath (vc), Beth Mooney (wk), Nicola Carey, Kim Garth, Lucy Hamilton, Grace Harris, Alana King, Phoebe Litchfield, Ellyse Perry, Megan Schutt, Annabel Sutherland, Georgia Woll, Georgia Wareham.
Travel Reserve: Tahlia Wilson (wicketkeeper)
