NewKerala.com

Key Points

Defending champions Australia have selected Sophie Molineux for their 2025 World Cup squad despite her ongoing knee rehabilitation. The left-arm spinner hopes to make her maiden ODI World Cup appearance after missing pre-tournament matches. Molineux acknowledges the challenge of returning directly to high-pressure tournament cricket without prior games. Her impressive record of 23 wickets in 13 ODIs makes her a valuable addition to Australia's spin attack.

Key Points: Sophie Molineux Targets World Cup Return After Knee Injury

  • Molineux returns to bolster Australia's spin attack for subcontinent conditions
  • Her 13 ODIs feature 23 wickets at impressive 14.39 average
  • Ongoing knee rehab may delay her return until tournament start
  • Australia's spin arsenal includes Gardner, King, and Wareham
2 min read

Aiming to play some games before': Sophie Molineux ahead of World Cup 2025

Australia's Sophie Molineux eyes 2025 Cricket World Cup comeback despite ongoing knee rehab, ready to "rip the Band-Aid off" in her maiden ODI tournament.

"We were aiming to play some games before that World Cup, but the way it's panned out is I'll probably get into it at the World Cup - no better way to rip a Band-Aid off than that. - Sophie Molineux"

New Delhi, September 5

Defending champions Australia have locked in Sophie Molineux for their ICC Cricket World Cup 2025 squad, as per the ICC website.

The seven-time winners, who have ten members of the squad that featured in the previous edition back in 2022, have added the returning left-arm spinner to bolster the spin attack in sub-continent conditions.

The Australian spin attack will now feature Ashleigh Gardner, leg-spinner Alana King, and Georgia Wareham, alongwith Molineux.

Molineux expressed her hope on getting some game time before the Cricket World Cup. But ongoing rehabilitation for a knee injury she sustained last year could keep her away from action, with direct participation in the tournament instead.

"We were aiming to play some games before that World Cup, but the way it's panned out is I'll probably get into it at the World Cup - no (better) way to rip a Band-Aid off than that. Traditionally, I'd bowl and bowl and bowl, and feel really confident and comfortable through bowling a heap of overs each week and playing games at cricket, but it's not the case now," Molineux said

"So I think I've been able to tap into some different things to prepare for a World Cup and to perform, hopefully, straight away," she added.

Since her debut in 2018, Molineux has played 13 ODIs, taking 23 wickets at an impressive average of 14.39 and an economy rate of 3.29. Though the journey to recovery has been challenging, the spinner is looking forward to her participation in what will be her maiden Cricket World Cup.

"The cherry of a World Cup is definitely something big. I've never been to a one-day World Cup, so the sound of that was always chiming in the back of my head throughout the winter. But I think it's (also) just about getting back and feeling good out on the cricket field again, no matter what colours I am in," Molineux concluded.

Molineux is unlikely to feature in the three-match ODI series against India before the marquee event begins as a precautionary measure, with the defending Cricket World Cup champions hoping for her full recovery ahead of the tournament starting September 30.

Australia will take on New Zealand in the first game of the ICC Cricket World Cup 2025 on October 1 in Indore.

- ANI

Share this article:

Reader Comments

P
Priya S
Coming back from injury straight into a World Cup is tough! But her stats are impressive - 23 wickets in 13 ODIs. Hope she doesn't rush and risk further injury.
A
Aditya G
Australia always plans strategically. Not playing her against India in ODIs is smart - they don't want to reveal their cards before the World Cup. Our team needs to be prepared!
S
Sarah B
"Ripping the Band-Aid off" by starting directly at World Cup? That's either very brave or very risky! Hope it works out for her. The pressure will be immense playing in India.
N
Nikhil C
Australia's women's team is just too strong! With Gardner, King, Wareham and now Molineux - their spin attack is world class. Indian batters need to step up their game against spin.
M
Meera T
First World Cup for her and that too in India! What an experience it will be. Wishing her a speedy recovery and hoping for some exciting cricket 🏏

We welcome thoughtful discussions from our readers. Please keep comments respectful and on-topic.

Leave a Comment

Minimum 50 characters 0/50