In a massive setback for Australia women's team, left-arm spinner Sophie Molineux has been ruled out of the ODI tour of New Zealand. Sophie suffered a knee injury and missed a few games of the Women's Big Bash League (WBBL) 2024.
Sophie is doubtful for the Ashes starting next month as well. She has been replaced by Heather Graham for the ODI series against the Kiwis starting December 19.
"Sophie Molineux has been withdrawn from the NZ Series due to knee soreness," Cricket Australia said in a statement. "Heather Graham will join the squad in New Zealand on Tuesday, following Tasmania's Women's National Cricket League matches against New South Wales in Hobart."
Sophie's form
Sophie played in the recently concluded series against India where the hosts completed a whitewash. She took one wicket from two games she played. She did not make it to the dead rubber third ODI of the series against India.
Heather's numbers
Her replacement, Heather has played just one ODI and five T20Is. The pacer has nine wickets in international including one in ODIs.
Headache for selectors
Australia captain Alyssa Healy has already been ruled out of the ODI tour of New Zealand owning to her knee injury. She missed the knockout stages of the T20 World Cup 2024 due to a foot injury as well. In her absence, Tahlia McGrath has been leading the side.
For New Zealand tour, she has been replaced by Georgia Voll. The opener recently made her debut and scored a century against Harmanpreet Kaur-led India.
Australia's updated squad for New Zealand tour -
Alyssa Healy (c), Tahlia McGrath (vc), Darcie Brown, Ashleigh Gardner, Kim Garth, Alana King, Phoebe Litchfield, Heather Graham, Beth Mooney, Ellyse Perry, Megan Schutt, Annabel Sutherland, Georgia Wareham
New Zealand vs Australia head-to-head
So far New Zealand and Australia have played 133 ODIs against each other. The White Ferns have won 31 matches, lost 100 whereas two ended in no result. They have a slighly better record at home with 17 wins from 60 ODI and one ending in no result.
