Australia allrounder Sophie Molineux has been ruled out of the upcoming Women's ODI World Cup in New Zealand due to a foot injury paving the way for Amanda-Jade Wellington to be included in the 15-strong squad after missing out on Ashes selection.
Molineux suffered a stress fracture in her foot during the WBBL late last year but it was hoped she would be fit for the World Cup. However, Australia selector Shawn Flegler confirmed she would not be available until late in the tournament and has been ruled out of the squad. Australia have called in Wellington as a second legspinner alongside Alana King.
"Sophie Molineux, unfortunately, misses out due to injury," Flegler said. "She was unlikely to be available until the backend of the tournament and with limited match time and having to complete ten days managed isolation, it was a tough call, but we weren't prepared to take the risk.
"Amanda-Jade provides us with another quality spin option and has the potential to play an important role spinning the ball away from the bat. Leg-spin has been a big part of our success in recent years and while Alana King is currently doing that role for us, there's no reason we couldn't play both in the same team if conditions and match-ups suit."
Tayla Vlaeminck and Georgia Wareham had already been ruled out due to their respective long-term injuries.
Queenslander Grace Harris has been included as the extra batter after being a late addition to the Ashes squad.
"Grace didn't get much of a go in the recent T20s, but she brings the versatility to bat anywhere in the top or middle order and her bowling could also be a real asset throughout the tournament as we've seen orthodox spinners have a lot of success in New Zealand," Flegler said.
Hannah Darlington and Georgia Redmayne will travel with the 15 to New Zealand as reserve players. Stella Campbell, who has been added to the Ashes squad after Vlaeminck's injury, hasn't been included in the final 15. But Campbell, Elyse Villani, Maitlan Brown, Molly Strano and Heather Graham will all be with the Ashes squad on standby for the final two ODIs of the Ashes series in Melbourne in case of injury or Covid issues.
Australia squad: Darcie Brown, Nic Carey, Ash Gardner, Grace Harris, Rachael Haynes (vc), Alyssa Healy, Jess Jonassen, Alana King, Meg Lanning (capt), Tahlia McGrath, Beth Mooney, Ellyse Perry, Megan Schutt, Annabel Sutherland, Amanda-Jade Wellington
Sophie Molineux
Amanda-Jade Wellington
Alana King
Tayla Vlaeminck
Georgia Wareham
Hannah Darlington
Georgia Redmayne
Stella Campbell
Australia Women
Australia
ICC Women's World Cup
Alex Malcolm is an Associate Editor at ESPNcricinfo
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