Annabel Sutherland, Grace Harris out: Australia announce squad for T20I series vs West Indies, star all-rounder rested, 32-yr-old dropped

Cricket Australia have named their squad for the three-T20I series on West Indies tour. New all-format skipper Sophie Molineux returns after a back injury during home series against India. Her workload is set to be managed.

Australia have rested their in-form all-rounder Annabel Sutherland who was adjudged player of the series against India. She scored a century and bagged six wickets in the pink-ball Test against India.

"Annabel will miss the series as part of a proactive management plan after a significant workload over the past 12 months, and we believe the extended rest will help ensure she's at her best ahead of the World Cup," national selector Shawn Flegler said.

ALSO READ: Why Babar Azam was dropped from Pakistan's ODI squad after T20 World Cup 2026? Head coach Mike Hesson explains

Who will lead if Sophie misses out?

Flegler clarified that Sophie is expected to be available for the entirety of the T20I series as Australia gear up for ICC Women’s T20 World Cup 2026 on English soil. She may miss a few games in ODI series as the current focus is T20Is.

ALSO READ: Centurion of T20 World Cup 2026 semifinal vs India, Jacob Bethell named captain of this franchise, replaces RCB's IPL-wining player

"Sophie was terrific during the recent T20 series against India and has already begun shaping her leadership style and this tour will be another important step in continuing to define how she wants to lead the side,” Shawn said.

"Sophie is progressing well and is expected to be available to play. We'll prioritise the T20 matches and continue to assess her across the ODI series," she added.

In Sophie misses a few games, Ashleigh Gardner and Tahlia McGrath have been named joint vice-captains.

Grace dropped

Grace Harris is the only player who has been dropped from the squad. However, Shawn said that she remains in contention for the T20 World Cup.

Maiden call-up as Mooney’s cover

The selectors have also called up wicketkeeper-batter Tahlia Wilson. She has been roped in as a reserve player for Beth Mooney. Beth will join the squad after the WNCL final on March 21. The T20I series is scheduled t begin on March 19. Beth is likely to play the third and final T20I of the series followed by the ODIs.

Also, left-arm pacer Lucy Hamilton who made her ODI and Test debut against India is set to get her maiden T20I cap as well.

Australia’s squad for West Indies tour

Darcie Brown, Nicola Carey, Ashleigh Gardner, Kim Garth, Lucy Hamilton, Alana King, Phoebe Litchfield, Tahlia McGrath, Sophie Molineux, Beth Mooney, Ellyse Perry, Megan Schutt, Georgia Voll, Georgia Wareham, Tahlia Wilson.