Spinner Sophie Molineux will captain Australia women's national cricket team at the upcoming ICC Women's T20 World Cup following the retirement of former skipper Alyssa Healy.

Cricket Australia announced its first women's World Cup squad since Healy stepped down earlier this year. All-rounder Ashleigh Gardner has been named one of two vice-captains after missing out on the captaincy.

Healy announced in January that she would retire after the home series against India women's national cricket team. She ended her one-day international career in March with a blistering 158 as Australia secured a comfortable victory over India.

The 12-team tournament will be held in England and Wales from June 12 to July 5, with 33 matches scheduled across seven venues. The final will be played at Lord's.

Australia will begin its campaign against South Africa women's national cricket team on June 13 at Old Trafford Cricket Ground.

Defending champion New Zealand women's national cricket team won the previous edition in the United Arab Emirates in 2024, defeating South Africa by 32 runs. Australia won the 2023 title, its sixth overall and third in a row.

Left-arm fast bowler Lucy Hamilton earned a surprise call-up in place of Darcie Brown, who has taken 34 wickets in 41 T20 internationals. Grace Harris and all-rounder Annabel Sutherland have returned to the squad.

Selector Shawn Flegler said the squad has the experience and balance needed to challenge for another world title.

He said Brown was unfortunate to miss out, but Australia opted for Hamilton because her left-arm pace offers a different option in conditions where outright speed may be less effective.