Sophie Molineux Faces Race to Recover for New Zealand Series and T20 World Cup

Australian all-rounder Sophie Molineux faces a race against time to recover from a fractured rib and be fit for the upcoming New Zealand series and T20 World Cup. The injury, sustained during training, will sideline her for up to eight weeks.

Molineux's absence is a significant blow to Australia's preparations for the World Cup, which begins on October 3 in Bangladesh. The left-arm spinner and hard-hitting batter has been in impressive form since returning to the national team in February after a string of injuries.

In her comeback Test against South Africa, Molineux took 3 for 10 in the first innings. She then starred in the T20I series against Bangladesh, claiming six wickets at an average of 8.33 and earning Player of the Series honors.

Molineux's injury has also ruled her out of the Hundred, where she was set to join Manchester Originals. Grace Harris, another likely selection for the World Cup squad, will also miss the tournament due to a calf strain.

Kim Garth will replace Molineux at Originals, while Megan Schutt has been added to the Spirit squad as a replacement player. These signings have necessitated adjustments to the Australia A squads that will face India A in Queensland next month.

Maitlan Brown and Kate Peterson have been called up to the Australia A T20 squad, while Brown will also feature in the one-day matches.

Despite the setbacks, Australia has a busy international schedule ahead. They will host India in early December before traveling to New Zealand for three ODIs. The multi-format Ashes, featuring a day-night Test at the MCG, will take place in January.

Australia will then return to New Zealand in late March for another series. The WBBL will commence a week after the T20 World Cup, while the inaugural Women's Premier League (WPL) is expected to be held in early March.

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