Australia women’s national cricket team left out fast bowler Darcie Brown from their 15-player squad for next month’s Women’s T20 World Cup 2026 in England and handed a first World Cup call-up to left-arm seamer Lucy Hamilton.
Australia named experienced all-rounder Sophie Molineux as captain for the tournament, the first global event since the retirement of former skipper Alyssa Healy. Ashleigh Gardner and Tahlia McGrath will serve as vice-captains.
Selector Shawn Flegler said Australia based Brown’s omission on conditions expected in England.
“Darcie Brown was unlucky to miss out but the decision was based on the conditions we’re expecting and the make-up of the side,” Flegler said.
“With at least six right-arm pace options in the mix and raw pace expected to be less effective, we opted to go with Lucy Hamilton who offers something different as a left-arm quick.”
Australia also recalled Grace Harris after she missed the recent series against the West Indies.
“She’s a handy all-round option and someone who can take the game away from an opposition,” Flegler said.
The tournament starts in England on June 12, with the final scheduled for July 5 at Lord’s Cricket Ground. Australia will play in Group A alongside South Africa women’s national cricket team, India women’s national cricket team, Bangladesh women’s national cricket team, Netherlands women’s national cricket team and Pakistan women’s national cricket team.
Australia open their campaign against South Africa at Old Trafford Cricket Ground on June 13.
Australia squad: Sophie Molineux (captain), Ashleigh Gardner, Tahlia McGrath, Nicola Carey, Kim Garth, Lucy Hamilton, Grace Harris, Alana King, Phoebe Litchfield, Beth Mooney, Ellyse Perry, Megan Schutt, Annabel Sutherland, Georgia Voll, Georgia Wareham.
