Returning spinner earns central contract as 17-strong Australian list named
Upon a strong international comeback, spin-bowling all-rounder Sophie Molineux has earned a Cricket Australia central contract as part of a 17-player group for 2024/2025.
Cricket Australia announced the list on Monday, with the contract period including both a T20 World Cup in Bangladesh and a much-anticipated multi-format Ashes series on home soil.
The 26-year-old had been upgraded during Australia's tour of Bangladesh and keeps her spot for the new contract period, while Meg Lanning drops off the list following her international retirement in November.
Upon the announcement, Cricket Australia’s Head of Performance and National Selector Shawn Flegler praised Molineux's fight to hold down a place in the Australian XI after coming back from a run of injuries, and the depth of the playing group ready to represent the country.
"We’re really pleased to be able to offer Soph (Molineux) a contract after her successful return to the side this summer.
"She’s shown a great deal of resilience to get back to full fitness and she’ll play an important role next summer.
"We feel the list features a great deal of depth and a variety of skillsets that will come into play throughout the various series scheduled for 2024-25, including the T20 World Cup and multi-format Ashes series."
Take a peek behind the curtain as Australia’s players celebrate their victory over South Africa back in the locker room after the final of the ICC Women's T20 World Cup 2023
Having returned from their successful tour Bangladesh, the nation hosting the upcoming T20 World Cup, the Australian team will begin preparation training camps from May to prepare for the global tournament, and host New Zealand for three T20Is in early September.
After the T20 World Cup, Australia host India and New Zealand for three ODIs each, before their Ashes series against old foes Eanglande from January 12.
Players not awarded contracts as part of the initial 17 can earn a contract throughout the year by accruing upgrade points, earned after appearing in international fixtures.
Healy eyes T20 World Cup following successful Bangladesh tour
Cricket Australia contracted women's players 2024-25: Darcie Brown, Ashleigh Gardner, Kim Garth, Heather Graham, Grace Harris, Alyssa Healy, Jessica Jonassen, Alana King, Phoebe Litchfield, Tahlia McGrath, Sophie Molineux, Beth Mooney, Ellyse Perry, Megan Schutt, Annabel Sutherland, Tayla Vlaeminck, Georgia Wareham