Australia names squad for 2026 Women's T20 World Cup

Australia named its 15-player squad for the ICC Women's T20 World Cup 2026 in England on Wednesday, captained by allrounder Sophie Molineux with Ashleigh Gardner and Tahlia McGrath as vice-captains. The selection features 20-year-old left-arm quick Lucy Hamilton's first World Cup appearance while omitting fast bowler Darcie Brown, a key member of Australia's 2023 title-winning team.

The squad blends experience and emerging talent ahead of the tournament, which runs from June 12 to July 5 with the final at Lord's in London. Australia, six-time champions who reached the semifinals in 2024 before New Zealand's surprise victory, compete in Group A against South Africa, India, Bangladesh, the Netherlands and Pakistan. They open their campaign against South Africa at Old Trafford in Manchester on June 13, following three warm-up matches against the same opponent at Arundel Castle from May 31.

National selector Shawn Flegler explained the decision to select Hamilton over Brown, citing expected English conditions. "Darcie Brown was unlucky to miss out, but the decision was based on the conditions we're expecting and the makeup of the side," Flegler said. "With at least six right-arm...