Australian all-rounder Sophie Molineux will continue as captain of the Victorian state team, with the squad unveiling a new five-player leadership group ahead of the 2025/26 Women’s National Cricket League season. With Molineux expected to feature for Australia this summer, the leadership will be shared by exciting duo Rhys McKenna and Ella Hayward, who have been […]
Australian all-rounder Sophie Molineux will continue as captain of the Victorian state team, with the squad unveiling a new five-player leadership group ahead of the 2025/26 Women's National Cricket League season.
With Molineux expected to feature for Australia this summer, the leadership will be shared by exciting duo Rhys McKenna and Ella Hayward, who have been elevated as co-vice captains by their peers.
McKenna will be the on-field captain with Meg Lanning and Molly Strano rounding out the leadership group.
Both McKenna and Hayward were part of the recent Australia A program and have quickly emerged as key figures in Victoria's set-up.
Hayward is coming off a breakout 2024/25 campaign where she won the prestigious Sharon Tredrea Award as Victoria's Player of the Season, topping both the run-scoring and wicket-taking charts.
McKenna continues to grow as a genuine all-rounder and has been widely recognised for her maturity and leadership qualities since debuting for Victoria as a teenager.
Cricket Victoria's Head of Female Cricket, Kirby Short, said:
"Our program embarked on a truly collaborative process to appoint this leadership group, and it was fantastic to see the thought, attention and care that went into it. Sophie Molineux was thoroughly involved at every stage, and while it was not easy for her to step back from her beloved navy blue to focus on her Australian commitments, she is determined to empower the next generation of Victorian leaders," said Short.
"Sophie is deeply invested in creating opportunities for Rhys and Ella to step forward and grow as leaders. Just as importantly, with Molly and Meg alongside them, our younger leaders will be surrounded by the experience, guidance and support they need to thrive. We're really excited by the balance of youth and experience heading into this summer."
Victoria will open its WNCL campaign with a pair of blockbuster matches against reigning Champions, NSW, beginning on Friday and Sunday at 10 AM AEST.
