Australia has finally unveiled its 15-member squad for the upcoming ICC Women’s T20 World Cup 2026 on Wednesday, with star all-rounder Sophie Molineux appointed captain for the tournament in England. This event will also mark Australia’s first major ICC campaign following the retirement of former skipper Alyssa Healy. Meanwhile, Ashleigh Gardner and Tahlia McGrath have been named vice-captains for the competition.
“Darcie Brown was unlucky to miss out but the decision was based on the conditions we’re expecting and the make-up of the side,” selector Shawn Flegler said. “These squads are never easy to select but we’re confident with the balance and stability we’ve got across the group.”
Lucy Hamilton replaces Darcie Brown in Australia’s T20 World Cup 2026 squad
Left-arm quick Lucy Hamilton has also been selected for her first World Cup, replacing Darcie Brown in the squad.
“With at least six right-arm pace options in the mix and raw pace expected to be less effective, we opted to go with Lucy Hamilton who offers something different as a left-arm quick,” said Flegler.
“Grace Harris comes into the side having missed the recent series against the West Indies. She’s a handy all-round option and someone who can take the game away from an opposition.”
ICC Women’s T20 World Cup 2026 is scheduled to start on June 12
New Zealand clinched the ICC Women’s T20 World Cup 2024 season as they achieved the feat without facing strong teams like Australia or England – world’s top two ranked T20 sides.
The tournament is scheduled to start in England on June 12, with the final set for July 5 at Lord’s in London.
Australian women’s team have been placed in Group A alongside South Africa, India, Bangladesh, the Netherlands and Pakistan. Meanwhile, Sophie Molineux-led side will play their campaign opener against South Africa at Old Trafford in Manchester on June 13.
Australia T20 World Cup squad: Sophie Molineux (captain), Ashleigh Gardner, Tahlia McGrath, Nicola Carey, Kim Garth, Lucy Hamilton, Grace Harris, Alana King, Phoebe Litchfield, Beth Mooney, Ellyse Perry, Megan Schutt, Annabel Sutherland, Georgia Voll, Georgia Wareham.
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