Sophie Molineux is managing a hip injury while Lucy Hamilton has a minor quad strain; both are expected to return for the T20I series against New Zealand

Australia will be without captain Sophie Molineux and young allrounder Lucy Hamilton for their three-match ODI series against Bangladesh, with Tahlia McGrath set to lead the side in Molineux’s absence.

Molineux is recovering from a hip injury that has not settled sufficiently for her to take part in the ODIs, while Hamilton suffered a minor quad strain during training. Both players are expected to be available for Australia’s three-match T20I series against New Zealand later in October.

Australia will face Bangladesh in Brisbane from October 9 to 14, before hosting New Zealand in Sydney from October 18 to 22.

McGrath to Lead Against Bangladesh

With Molineux unavailable, vice-captain Tahlia McGrath will take charge of Australia for the three ODIs.

Ashleigh Gardner, Australia’s other vice-captain, is expected to captain the T20I side if Molineux is not available against New Zealand. Gardner has not previously led Australia since being appointed vice-captain.

National selector Shawn Flegler said Molineux’s recovery had improved but that there was not enough time for her to be ready for the ODI series.

“She’ll be right for the T20 games. But we’ll keep assessing during that particular series,” Flegler said.

He also backed Gardner’s leadership and said the captaincy arrangements had been endorsed by the Cricket Australia board.

Hamilton Expected Back for T20Is

Hamilton picked up a minor quad strain during training and will miss the Bangladesh ODIs.

Australia currently have only 12 available players for the three-match ODI series, which will be played across six days at Allan Border Field.

Flegler indicated that another player could be added after the next round of Women’s National Cricket League matches.

“We’ll look at that over the next couple of days,” he said.

Brown Facing Lengthy Recovery

Fast bowler Darcie Brown will miss both series after suffering a back injury during Australia A’s tour of India.

Brown has been dealing with a disc issue and will initially be rested from bowling and running. Her recovery could take up to 10 weeks, although Australia remain hopeful that she can return for part of the Women’s Big Bash League season, which begins at the end of October.

If her recovery takes longer, Brown could instead target Australia’s upcoming Champions Trophy campaign in the new year.

Harris Misses Out

Grace Harris, a member of Australia’s T20 World Cup-winning squad, has been left out of the combined 14-player squad for both series.

Flegler described Harris as unfortunate to miss selection but said she remains in Australia’s plans.

“With the T20 squad reduced in size and limited opportunities during the World Cup, Grace is unlucky to miss out on selection but remains in the frame moving forward,” Flegler said.

Australia’s immediate focus will now be on the Bangladesh ODIs, with McGrath taking charge of a squad affected by several injury absences before attention turns to the T20I series against New Zealand.

Australia squad vs Bangladesh and New Zealand

Nicola Carey, Ashleigh Gardner, Kim Garth, Lucy Hamilton (T20I only), Alana King, Phoebe Litchfield, Tahlia McGrath, Sophie Molineux (C), Beth Mooney, Ellyse Perry, Megan Schutt, Annabel Sutherland, Georgia Voll, Georgia Wareham