Sophie Molineux set for 'emotional' Australian return after 28-month injury absence
Sophie Molineux could return to the Australian team for the first time since October 2021, having finally overcome a horror run of injuries.
The 26-year-old had been sidelined with an ACL rupture for over a year, while also previously suffering a stress fracture in her foot more than two years ago.
Molineux missed a litany of crucial series and events for the national side during her lengthy hiatus, including the two Women's Ashes campaigns against England, two World Cups and the Commonwealth Games.
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After missing out on the recent WBBL season, Molineux came back in December through the WNCL and is the equal leading wicket-taker in the competition with 17, as well as making valuable contributions with bat in hand.
Sophie Molineux in action earlier this summer in the Governor General's XI fixture. Getty
Speaking to the media during Australia's ODI clash with South Africa on Saturday afternoon, head selector Shawn Flegler explained the decision to bring Molineux back into the fold and straight into the red-ball mix.
"She's been through a lot ... she was pretty emotional about it," he said.
"She's put in a lot of hard work over the last 12 months. She's missed out on some big tournaments for us, so it was a nice call to make.
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"We've got some great competition within the squad, and you've got to be on your game all the time to keep staying in the team."
Molineux has played a total of 31 matches in the green and gold across all formats, with her return boosting the world's top-ranked outfit.
Australia will face the Proteas in their lone Test match on February 15 at the WACA.
Australia women's Test squad vs South Africa
Alyssa Healy (c), Darcie Brown, Ashleigh Gardner, Kim Garth, Jess Jonassen, Alana King, Phoebe Litchfield, Tahlia McGrath (vc), Sophie Molineux, Beth Mooney, Ellyse Perry, Megan Schutt, Annabel Sutherland, Georgia Wareham
