Massive blow for Australia as captain ruled out of ODI series and one-off Test against India sesd

Australia have suffered a major setback ahead of the remaining matches against India, with captain Sophie Molineux ruled out due to lower back pain. She will miss the rest of the ODI series as well as the one-off Test at the WACA. All-rounder Nicola Carey has been named as her replacement, the only change to the side that won the opening ODI by six wickets.

Australia were already dealing with injury concerns. Ellyse Perry and Kim Garth had earlier been ruled out of the ODI series with quad injuries, and both are still doubtful for the Test match.

India failed to carry the momentum in ODIs

India, meanwhile, came into the ODI series after a historic run, winning their maiden World Cup in late 2025 and securing a T20I series victory in Australia earlier this month. However, the Women in Blue were unable to carry that momentum into the ODI opener, where the hosts bounced back strongly to take a 1-0 lead in the three-match series.

With the series on the line, India will be eager to respond and keep their hopes alive of winning their first-ever ODI series against Australia.

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Molineux's previous injury records

In Molineux's absence, former captain Alyssa Healy has stepped in to lead the team for the clash at Bellerive Oval. Molineux has had several injury setbacks in the past, and Cricket Australia has said her condition will be closely monitored, especially with a busy schedule coming up. Australia are set to tour the West Indies for a multi-format series in March and April. After that, they will turn their focus to the ICC Women’s T20 World Cup in England in June, where they will aim for a record-extending seventh title.

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Alyssa Healy on Molineux injury

It is still unclear how long Molineux will be out of action. Speaking at the toss before the second ODI, Healy admitted the news had come as a surprise.

"The Sophie Molineux news today was a bit of a shock for everyone and a disappointing one for her," Healy told Fox Cricket.

"Hopefully we can rally around those three and give them the love they need moving forward."

India vs Australia playing XI for 2nd ODI

Australia Women (Playing XI): Alyssa Healy(c), Phoebe Litchfield, Georgia Voll, Beth Mooney(w), Annabel Sutherland, Ashleigh Gardner, Tahlia McGrath, Nicola Carey, Alana King, Megan Schutt, Darcie Brown.

India Women (Playing XI): Smriti Mandhana, Pratika Rawal, Harmanpreet Kaur(c), Jemimah Rodrigues, Richa Ghosh(w), Deepti Sharma, Amanjot Kaur, Kashvee Gautam, Kranti Gaud, Vaishnavi Sharma, Shree Charani.