Sophie Molineux Exits ODI Series Against India Due to Injury

Sophie Molineux has been ruled out of the ODI series against India due to lower back pain, with Nicola Carey replacing her. After losing the first ODI, India is eager to bounce back and level the series. The second ODI will see India bat first after winning the toss. Both teams have made strategic changes as they compete for victory in this crucial match.

By Narendra Chaudhary Feb 27, 2026, 10:54 IST

Sophie Molineux Withdrawn from India Series

Sophie Molineux of Australia has been sidelined from the ongoing ODI series against India and the upcoming Test match at WACA due to persistent lower back pain. In her place, all-rounder Nicola Carey has been brought into the squad, marking the only alteration from the team that secured a six-wicket victory in the ODI opener. Additionally, Ellyse Perry and Kim Garth are also unavailable for the ODI series due to quad injuries and are uncertain for the Test match, according to reports.

India Seeks to Equal Series After Initial ODI Defeat

Following their historic triumph in the World Cup late in 2025 and a remarkable T20I series victory in Australia earlier this month, the Indian women's cricket team faced a setback in the ODI series. The hosts, Australia, claimed a strong win in the first ODI, defeating India by six wickets and taking a 1-0 lead in the three-match series. India is now eager to secure a win in the second ODI to keep their hopes alive for a first ODI series victory against Australia.

Second ODI: India Chooses to Bat First

In the latest development, India won the toss and decided to bat first against Australia in the series-deciding match at Bellerive Oval in Hobart on Friday.

Playing XIs

Teams: Australia Women (Playing XI): Alyssa Healy(c), Phoebe Litchfield, Georgia Voll, Beth Mooney(w), Annabel Sutherland, Ashleigh Gardner, Tahlia McGrath, Nicola Carey, Alana King, Megan Schutt, Darcie Brown.

India Women (Playing XI): Smriti Mandhana, Pratika Rawal, Harmanpreet Kaur(c), Jemimah Rodrigues, Richa Ghosh(w), Deepti Sharma, Amanjot Kaur, Kashvee Gautam, Kranti Gaud, Vaishnavi Sharma, Shree Charani.