Lucy Hamilton earns maiden Test call-up for India series

Lucy Hamilton, an impressive left-arm pacer who is just 19 years old, has been called up for the first time to Australia's Test team for the upcoming home match against India, while Nicola Carey returns to the ODI team after last playing international cricket in 2022. Following the retirement of Alyssa Healy, Australia has appointed Sophie Molineux to the position of captain across all formats. During the India series, which will be her last, Healy will lead Australia for one final time in the ODIs and the Tests. In those two formats, her deputy will be Molineux. Ashleigh Gardner, along with Tahlia McGrath, has been promoted to vice-captain going forward. Hamilton won the Young Gun Award at the recent WBBL after taking eight wickets for the Brisbane Heat in nine innings. She also served as captain at the U19 World Cup the year before. Carey has been a consistent performer on the domestic circuit since 2023, when she turned down a national contract. When she helped Tasmania win their first 50-over title in 2023 and 2024, she won Player of the Year honors. In 2025, she also won Player of the Match honors in the Women's Hundred final. Legspinners Megan Schutt (ODI) and Alana King (T20I) have been left out. "Sophie is a terrific player and leader who brings a wealth of experience and success to the role," Cricket Australia chairman Mike Baird said of Molineux's appointment. "We are proud to have led this great side." "Sophie is an outstanding leader and we are thrilled for her to take on the role," Cricket Australia's Head of Performance (Women's Cricket) and National Selector Shawn Flegler said. "Sophie is highly regarded in Australian cricket, and she is the ideal candidate to lead the team into a new era because of her resilience, composure, and demonstrated domestic leadership. "We will continue to manage Sophie's workload, prioritising key tournaments and major international series following injury challenges in recent seasons," he added. Additionally, Flegler mentioned the addition of two vice captains to the leadership team. "In recognition of her significant leadership contribution under Alyssa Healy, Tahlia McGrath is retained as vice-captain. In a variety of formats, Tahlia has served as a stand-in captain 16 times, ensuring consistency and stability. Ash Gardner has been elevated to vice-captain alongside Tahlia, strengthening the team's leadership group. In addition to supporting Sophie with their complementary skills, Ash and Tahlia are also capable of leading the team as stand-in captains when necessary." The three Twenty20 International matches that India will play in Australia on February 15, 19, and 21 will be played in Sydney, Canberra, and Adelaide, respectively. Following that, 50-over matches will be played in Brisbane and Gabba on February 24, 27, and March 1. From March 6, the two teams will contest the one-off Test in Perth. Australia T20I squad: Darcie Brown, Nicola Carey, Ashleigh Gardner, Kim Garth, Grace Harris, Phoebe Litchfield, Tahlia McGrath, Sophie Molineux (captain), Beth Mooney, Ellyse Perry, Megan Schutt, Annabel Sutherland, Georgia Voll, Georgia Wareham Australia ODI squad:Darcie Brown, Nicola Carey, Ashleigh Gardner, Kim Garth, Alyssa Healy (captain), Alana King, Phoebe Litchfield, Tahlia McGrath, Sophie Molineux, Beth Mooney, Ellyse Perry, Annabel Sutherland, Georgia Voll, Georgia Wareham Australia Test squad: Darcie Brown, Ashleigh Gardner, Kim Garth, Lucy Hamilton, Alyssa Healy (captain), Alana King, Phoebe Litchfield, Tahlia McGrath, Sophie Molineux, Beth Mooney, Ellyse Perry, Annabel Sutherland, Georgia Voll, Georgia Wareham