Molineux fit to lead against West Indies, Harris excluded

Australia have named a 15-player squad for their upcoming white-ball tour of the West Indies. Wicketkeeper Tahlia Wilson earns her maiden call-up, while Sophie Molineux is set to lead the side across both formats.

The squad retains Lucy Hamilton and Nicola Carey from the recent series against India. Grace Harris is the notable omission from the T20 side, and Annabel Sutherland will miss the tour as part of a workload management plan.

Molineux, who captained in the T20Is against India, missed the final two ODIs with a back issue. Selectors report she has made good progress and is set to lead in her first full series as captain across formats, though her participation in matches may be managed.

Australia Squad: Darcie Brown, Nicola Carey, Ashleigh Gardner, Kim Garth, Lucy Hamilton, Alana King, Phoebe Litchfield, Tahlia McGrath, Sophie Molineux, Beth Mooney, Ellyse Perry, Megan Schutt, Georgia Voll, Georgia Wareham, Tahlia Wilson.

National selector Shawn Flegler said: "Sophie was terrific during the recent T20 series against India and has already begun shaping her leadership style. This tour will be another important step in continuing to define how she wants to lead the side. She is progressing well and is expected to be available to play. We'll prioritise the T20 matches and continue to assess her across the ODI series."

On the absences, Flegler added: "Annabel will miss the series as part of a proactive management plan after a significant workload over the past 12 months. The extended rest will help ensure she's at her best ahead of the World Cup. Grace has missed selection, but we obviously know what she's capable of and she remains firmly in our thinking ahead of the World Cup."

The tour, from March 19 to April 2, will feature three T20Is and three ODIs across St Vincent and St Kitts. The ODI leg is part of the ICC Women's Championship.

Flegler noted: "This tour marks the beginning of a new era for the side, with Sophie taking the reins across all formats and a new-look batting line-up following Alyssa's retirement. Being the final series before the T20 World Cup, it's a great opportunity for the group to refine our plans against a challenging opposition."