Molineux races fitness clock ahead of Bangladesh series

Australia captain Sophie Molineux has been included in the squad for next month’s three-match One Day International series against Bangladesh despite an ongoing hip injury, with her availability set to be assessed closer to the matches.

The two sides will meet in Brisbane from 9-14 October, with the ODIs forming part of the ICC Women’s Championship. Molineux has also been selected for Australia’s subsequent T20 series against New Zealand but remains doubtful for both assignments.

Left-arm pacer Lucy Hamilton will miss the Bangladesh ODIs after picking up a minor quad strain but remains in the T20 squad. Fast bowler Darcie Brown, meanwhile, has been ruled out with a back injury.

Australia opened their Women’s Championship campaign with a 3-0 series sweep of the West Indies in April. They have won all three previous editions of the four-year competition and remain the only unbeaten team in the current cycle.

National selector Shawn Flegler expects Bangladesh’s bowling attack to test Australia, while also viewing the series as useful preparation for next year’s T20 Champions Trophy in India.

“Bangladesh will be a really good test, particularly with the quality they have in their bowling attack,” Flegler said.

“It’s also a great opportunity for our batters to get exposure to subcontinent-style bowling ahead of the Champions Trophy in India.”

Australia have retained most of the squad that recently secured a record seventh Women’s T20 World Cup title, with Grace Harris the only non-injury omission.

Molineux featured in every match of the World Cup after returning from a back injury and was named captain of the tournament team.

The Bangladesh series will be followed by three T20 International series against New Zealand in Sydney from 18-22 October.

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