West Indies Tour: Annabel Sutherland Rests, Sophie Molineux to Lead

Australia's star all-rounder Annabel Sutherland has been rested from the upcoming West Indies tour, with selectors prioritizing her fitness for the T20 World Cup. Meanwhile, captain Sophie Molineux is expected to play, despite recovering from a back injury, and will lead the team in her first full-time captaincy role across all formats. Meanwhile, Molineux is "progressing well" after being ruled out of the final two ODIs against India and the Test having reported back soreness. The West Indies tour will be her first as full cross-format captain following Alyssa Healy's retirement, but she may not feature in every game. "Being the final series before the T20 World Cup, it's a great opportunity for the group to refine our plans against a challenging opposition," Flegler said. "This tour marks the beginning of a new era for the side, with Sophie taking the reins across all formats and a new-look batting line-up following Alyssa's retirement. Molineux's participation will be assessed throughout the series, with Ashleigh Gardner and Tahlia McGrath as her deputies. The Australian squad for the West Indies tour includes: Batters: Beth Mooney, Phoebe Litchfield, Tahlia Wilson All-rounders: Ashleigh Gardner, Tahlia McGrath, Ellyse Perry Spinners: Alana King, Georgia Wareham, Sophie Molineux Pace Bowlers: Darcie Brown, Megan Schutt, Lucy Hamilton Wicket-keeper: Beth Mooney The tour includes three T20Is (March 19-23) and three ODIs (March 27-April 2).