Australia captain Sophie Molineux has confirmed her readiness to feature in the upcoming white-ball series against the West Indies in the Caribbean.
The left-arm all-rounder has been managing a back injury in recent months and was unavailable for the latter part of Australia’s recent home ODI series against India. However, she is now moving closer to full fitness as the team prepares for the contests in the Caribbean.
With less than three months remaining before the ICC Women’s T20 World Cup in England, Molineux offered an encouraging update on her condition ahead of the series, which begins on Thursday.
“(I will be) playing in the T20s, available and looking forward to playing a role and getting back out there, that’s for sure,” Molineux said .
“I am looking forward to getting back out there with the girls.”
Workload management ahead of global event
It remains uncertain whether Molineux will participate in all six white-ball matches on the tour. She indicated that she could be rested for the ODI leg following the T20Is as part of efforts to ensure she is fully prepared for June’s T20 World Cup.
There are also questions surrounding her bowling workload, as she has so far resumed batting and fielding during training sessions.
Australia view the series against West Indies as their final assignment before the global tournament, and Molineux stressed that preparations are focused on peaking at the right time.
“It’s an important series for all of us as we haven’t got a whole lot of games before that T20 World Cup,” Molineux added.
“Each game we have together is really important and make sure we’re building towards that. And I suppose to be able to get my feet in behind the desk and lead the group.
“I’m looking forward to making the most of those opportunities and especially just getting away and jumping on a plane together and connecting as a group again after what’s been a few months in Australia.”
West Indies target strong preparation
The hosts are also treating the series as a crucial step in their World Cup build-up. The 2016 champions have named a full-strength squad featuring captain Hayley Matthews alongside experienced players such as Stafanie Taylor, Afy Fletcher, Shemaine Campbelle and Deandra Dottin.
The Caribbean side will also look to emerging talents Eboni Brathwaite and Jahzara Claxton, with Matthews expressing confidence in the young duo.
“It is a very important (series) and I think it’s going to be a good test of where we are as a team right now,” Matthews suggested.
“Just a couple of months before the World Cup does start, so hopefully we can see some bright sparks and be able to take a lot of positives out of this series.”
Squads
West Indies:
Hayley Matthews (c), Chinelle Henry, Aaliyah Alleyne, Eboni Brathwaite, Shemaine Campbelle, Jahzara Claxton, Deandra Dottin, Afy Fletcher, Jannillea Glasgow, Shawnisha Hector, Zaida James, Qiana Joseph, Mandy Mangru, Karishma Ramharack, Stafanie Taylor
Australia:
Sophie Molineux (c), Ashleigh Gardner (vc), Tahlia McGrath (vc), Darcie Brown, Nicola Carey, Kim Garth, Lucy Hamilton, Alana King, Phoebe Litchfield, Beth Mooney, Ellyse Perry, Megan Schutt, Georgia Voll, Georgia Wareham, Tahlia Wilson
Tour schedule
- First T20I: March 19, St Vincent
- Second T20I: March 21, St Vincent
- Third T20I: March 23, St Vincent
- First ODI: March 27, St Kitts
- Second ODI: March 29, St Kitts
- Third ODI: April 2, St Kitts
