Australia all-rounder Sophie Molineux is back in the limelight, marking a significant career rebound by securing a central contract from Cricket Australia. Her journey reflects an impressive return to international cricket following a two-year absence from the centrally contracted list. The talented cricketer has demonstrated her prowess over the last two months, making valuable contributions across all formats of the game, including an impactful performance in the recent Bangladesh tour.
In what was a showcase of skill and determination, Molineux was crowned the player of the T20I series against Bangladesh last week, capturing six wickets at an exceptional average of 8.33. Her left-arm spin alongside her overall impact in the shorter format of the game proved pivotal to Australia’s success. However, it wasn’t just the T20Is where she shone; on her One-Day International (ODI) return, she produced a stellar bowling figure of 3/10, and she also made her mark during her Test comeback prior to the Bangladesh tour in a series at home against South Africa.
Her all-round performances, which blend tenacious spin bowling with capable batting, has caused a stir in selection matters, notably keeping Jess Jonassen out of the central contract list. Nonetheless, Jonassen, an established player in her own right, has also retained her contract, reflecting Cricket Australia’s strategic planning for a season with a packed calendar.
Despite Molineux’s and Jonassen’s contract retention, there was notable movement within the contract list, with Meg Lanning stepping down from her central contract following her retirement from international cricket in November of the previous year. Shawn Flegler, the national selector, expressed his contentment on offering a contract to Molineux, highlighting her resilience in returning to top form and fitness. He acknowledged, “She’s shown a great deal of resilience to get back to full fitness and she’ll play an important role next summer,” underscoring her anticipated contribution to the team.
For those who have missed out on a coveted spot on the central contract list, hope is not lost. Cricket Australia maintains a dynamic system allowing players to be upgraded across the year if they accumulate 12 upgrade points. Points are awarded based on their participation in various formats of the game, ensuring that opportunities for recognition are continual and performance-based.
Looking ahead at the 2024-25 season, the Australian women’s cricket team faces an exciting lineup of high-profile tournaments. Fans can eagerly anticipate the T20 World Cup in Bangladesh and an enthralling multi-format Ashes series scheduled for January 2025. Additionally, a limited-overs series with India touring Australia further packs the season with top-tier cricket action.
Australia’s women’s contract list for 2024-25 is a blend of experience and emerging talent, setting the stage for what promises to be a thrilling season of cricket. The contracted players include Darcie Brown, Ashleigh Gardner, Kim Garth, Heather Graham, Grace Harris, Alyssa Healy, Alana King, Phoebe Litchfield, Tahlia McGrath, Beth Mooney, Ellyse Perry, Megan Schutt, Annabel Sutherland, Tayla Vlaeminck, and Georgia Wareham, along with the newly reinstated Sophie Molineux.
With such a mix of seasoned veterans and fresh faces on the contract list, Cricket Australia is positioning itself to take on a season filled with challenge and opportunity. The return of Sophie Molineux is just one of the many narratives that will unfold as the Australian women’s cricket team prepares to shine on the international stage.
