Sophie Molineux ruled out of ODI series against New Zealand Women due to knee injury

Australia Women will be taking on New Zealand in the three-match ODI series scheduled to commence with the first ODI on December 19. All three games will be played at the Basin Reserve in Wellington. Ahead of the impending series, Australia have received a big blow as their star spinner, Sophie Molineux is ruled out of the ODI series with a knee injury.

Molineux was part of Australia's 3-0 series win against India as she played the final two matches of the series managing her long-running knee issue. At the end of the ODI in Perth, she experienced discomfort and the issue has persisted. With Molineux out of the picture, all-rounder Heather Graham has been called up to join the ODI set-up as her replacement.

Also Read: Women's U19 Asia Cup: India announce 15-member squad

"Sophie Molineux has been withdrawn from the NZ Series due to knee soreness. 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,” Cricket Australia said in a statement.

On the other hand, Australia captain Alyssa Healy had to cede her stay in the later stages of the Women’s T20 World Cup 2024 due to a knee injury. She even missed the subsequent series against India. Healy will be making a comeback in the upcoming series and will lead the team against the white ferns.

Australia’s Updated squad:

Alyssa Healy (c), Tahlia McGrath, Darcie Brown, Ashleigh Gardner, Kim Garth, Alana King, Phoebe Litchfield, Sophie Molineux, Beth Mooney, Ellyse Perry, Megan Schutt, Annabel Sutherland, Georgia Wareham.

Schedule:

All matches will be played at the Basin Reserve in Wellington

First ODI: 19, December

Second ODI: 21 December

Third ODI: 23 December