In an unprecedented move within the realm of women’s cricket, Australia and South Africa are preparing to make history as they gear up for their first-ever encounter in the red-ball format. The highly anticipated match will take place at The WACA in Perth, commencing on February 15. The Australian side has geared up for this landmark event by naming a robust 14-member squad, which has seen the return of bowling allrounder Sophie Molineux to the team.
Having last played in the T20I format against India in Carrara on October 10, 2021, Molineux’s return marks an end to her hiatus from the national side. Her inclusion is also notable as it comes at the expense of Heather Graham, leading to a significant alteration in the team that faced India at the Wankhede Stadium in Mumbai in December 2022. Additionally, the squad will be devoid of left-arm pacer Lauren Cheatle, who continues her recovery from surgery to remove skin cancer from her neck area.
Molineux’s comeback has been enthusiastically received by Cricket Australia’s head of performance and national selector, Shawn Flegler, who praised her dedication and effort over the past year. Speaking to Cricket.com.au, Flegler recounted the emotional moment of informing Molineux about her return: “It was a nice call to make, (Sophie’s) been through a lot in the last couple of years,” he said. “She was pretty emotional, she’s put a lot of hard work in over the last 12 months but even the previous 12 months as well – she’s missed out on some big tournaments for us.”
He continued to express his admiration for her performance, stating, “She has come back and played really well…has probably surprised herself a little bit with how well she’s gone. She’s an all-format player, was an all-format player before she got injured and she’s come back in great nick.”
Cricket fans will be keen to observe how the Australian and South African squads will fare in this historic test match. The Australian team is led by Alyssa Healy (c), with players such as Darcie Brown, Ashleigh Gardner, Kim Garth, Jess Jonassen, Alana King, Phoebe Litchfield, Tahlia McGrath, Sophie Molineux, Beth Mooney, Ellyse Perry, Megan Schutt, Annabel Sutherland, and Georgia Wareham rounding out the team.
The South African squad is not short of talent, boasting names like Laura Wolvaardt, Anneke Bosch, Tazmin Brits, Nadine de Klerk, Mieke de Ridder, Ayanda Hlubi, Sinalo Jafta, Marizanne Kapp, Masabata Klaas, Suné Luus, Eliz-Mari Marx, Nonkululeko Mlaba, Chloé Tryon, and Delmi Tucker.
As both teams finalize their preparations, the stage is set for a fiercely competitive match. This one-off Test not only represents a new chapter in the history of women’s cricket but also provides a platform for both nations to showcase their abilities in the longest format of the game. It is an opportunity for players to assert themselves and for fans to witness what promises to be a fascinating encounter between two cricketing powerhouses.
On the sidelines, cricketing stories continue to develop across the globe, with India’s squad announcement for the last three Tests against England capturing attention due to the notable absence of Virat Kohli and no mention of Shreyas Iyer. Meanwhile, in the realm of youth cricket, Uday Saharan’s India U19 team aims to inspire the next generation with a legacy-building endeavor. Further south, the SA20 2024 Final at Newlands, Cape Town, is generating excitement, adding to the rich tapestry of the global cricket calendar.
The Australian Test squad is bracing for a momentous battle, keen on making a statement with a victory on home soil. With the excitement brewing, this historic Test promises to deliver an enthralling chapter in the annals of women’s cricket.
