Sophie Molineux’s captaincy, Alana King’s spin, Georgia Voll’s emergence, and maximising the middle-order firepower all on the radar for Australia heading into the T20 World Cup
Invaluable experience for Molineux despite unorthodox role
Sophie Molineux’s role across the series raised eyebrows among some media and fans, but Australia had a bigger picture in mind. Molineux was appointed Australia T20I captain in January, before being ruled out midway through the multi-format series against India due to a back complaint.
Prior to the squad’s departure for the West Indies, she was cleared to run, field and bat, but time away from bowling – her primary skill – was deemed necessary for her recovery. In ordinary circumstances, this probably would have seen her sit out the Caribbean tour. But with a T20 World Cup looming and little time for the new skipper to adjust to the role, this tour fell into the “extraordinary” pile.
That need to prioritise captaincy experience is why Molineux played all three games as essentially a specialist No.8 batter. Now, her priority will be ensuring she’s back to full fitness and ready to play a significant role with the ball in the UK.
The 28-year-old only had one opportunity to bat in the series, but she issued a timely reminder of her qualify, smashing 25 off 12 to be Australia’s second highest scorer in their 7-211 in the third T20I.
“She’s been excellent,” Australia coach Shelley Nitschke said of Molineux in St Kitts on Wednesday.
“It’s been so important, I think, for the team and for her to be here and leading the group.
“We know what she can do with the ball, but unfortunately she’s unable to bowl at the moment.
“But just being able to be out there, lead the group and had a really good contribution with the bat … we all know how skilful a player she is with the bat, so it was good to see her get that opportunity and contribute the other day.
“She’s been amazing, on and off the field, just having a new leadership group has been excellent, and it’s also been just really valuable for us to be able to have them in place leading into a World Cup.”
King’s making an irresistible case
Alana King seized her recall to the Australia T20 XI with both hands, named player of the series after taking five wickets at 11, with an economy rate of 5.5, and showing her versatility by taking on a role in the Powerplay. It was always likely King would feature in a 15-player World Cup squad, and her performances here are surely enough to get her on the plane to England.
It nonetheless has created a further headache for Australia selectors, who typically have preferred a combination of leg-spinner Georgia Wareham, whose more defensive style and middle-order batting has given her the selection edge historically, alongside off-spinner Ashleigh Gardner, who is also a key part of the middle-order, and left-arm spinner – and captain – Sophie Molineux.