The countdown to the ICC Women’s World Cup 2025 has just gotten more exciting! The defending champions, Australia, have officially named their 15-member squad, and it’s nothing short of world-class.
With a mix of proven match-winners and fresh faces, the seven-time champions look well-prepared to defend their crown in the biggest tournament of women’s cricket, set to be played in India and Sri Lanka from September 30 to November 2.
Alyssa Healy to Lead the Charge
The team will once again be captained by Alyssa Healy, one of the most explosive openers in the women’s game. Healy, who lit up the 2022 World Cup with a record-breaking 509 runs—including a breathtaking 170 in the final against England—has now taken on the responsibility of leading a side hungry for yet another title.
Her calm leadership, combined with her fearless batting, makes her the heartbeat of this Australian team. Alongside her, Tahlia McGrath has been appointed vice-captain, bringing tactical smarts and consistency to the leadership group.
One look at the squad and it’s clear—Australia is leaving nothing to chance.
- Ellyse Perry, the superstar all-rounder, returns for what could be her last World Cup. With her ability to win matches with both bat and ball, Perry’s experience will be invaluable in subcontinental conditions.
- Beth Mooney, one of the most reliable finishers in world cricket, is expected to play a key role in the middle order.
- Ashleigh Gardner and Alana King add variety and attacking options with their spin, crucial on turning Indian and Sri Lankan tracks.
Perhaps the most exciting aspect is the inclusion of young talents like Phoebe Litchfield and Georgia Voll. Litchfield, already making waves with her batting maturity at just 21, could be Australia’s breakout star of the tournament. Voll, meanwhile, brings fearless stroke play and youthful energy to the top order.
| Player Name | Role | Specialisation |
|---|---|---|
| Alyssa Healy (C) | Captain / Wicketkeeper | Opening Batter |
| Tahlia McGrath (VC) | Vice-Captain | All-Rounder |
| Darcie Brown | Bowler | Fast Bowler |
| Ashleigh Gardner | All-Rounder | Batting All-Rounder / Off-Spin |
| Kim Garth | Bowler | Medium Pace |
| Grace Harris | All-Rounder | Power Hitter / Off-Spin |
| Alana King | Bowler | Leg-Spin |
| Phoebe Litchfield | Batter | Top-Order Batter |
| Sophie Molineux | All-Rounder | Left-Arm Spin |
| Beth Mooney | Batter | Wicketkeeper / Finisher |
| Ellyse Perry | All-Rounder | Batting & Medium Pace |
| Megan Schutt | Bowler | Swing Bowler |
| Annabel Sutherland | All-Rounder | Seam-Bowling All-Rounder |
| Georgia Voll | Batter | Top-Order Batter |
| Georgia Wareham | Bowler | Leg-Spin |
Why the Squad Looks Unstoppable
Spin-Friendly Depth
Selectors have wisely packed the squad with spin options. Molineux, Wareham, King, and Gardner form a dream spin quartet capable of troubling even the best batters in subcontinental conditions.
Experience of Champions
Ten members of this squad were part of Australia’s triumphant campaign in New Zealand in 2022. That experience, combined with the hunger to defend their title, makes them an intimidating force.
Fresh Faces, New Energy
Alongside experienced campaigners like Perry, Mooney, and Schutt, youngsters like Litchfield and Voll bring fresh energy. This balance ensures Australia doesn’t just rely on past glories—they are building for the future too.
What Selectors Had to Say
Selector Shawn Flegler expressed confidence in the squad, highlighting their readiness for the subcontinent challenge:
“This group has played plenty of cricket in India and Sri Lanka, through the Women’s Premier League, A tours, and international series. We believe this squad has the depth, versatility, and experience to perform in any conditions.”
Australia Women’s ICC World Cup Titles (ODI & T20I)
| Year | Format | Host Country | Final Opponent | Result |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1978 | ODI | India | England | Australia won by 8 wickets |
| 1982 | ODI | New Zealand | England | Australia won by 3 wickets |
| 1988 | ODI | Australia | England | Australia won by 8 wickets |
| 1997 | ODI | India | New Zealand | Australia won by 5 wickets |
| 2005 | ODI | South Africa | India | Australia won by 98 runs |
| 2013 | ODI | India | West Indies | Australia won by 114 runs |
| 2022 | ODI | New Zealand | England | Australia won by 71 runs |
| 2023 | T20I | South Africa | South Africa | Australia won by 19 runs |
In Shorts:
The defending champions have named a squad that combines tradition with transformation. They have experience, they have youth, and they have the firepower needed to dominate world cricket once again.
For fans, the excitement is simple: Australia is not just coming to defend their title—they’re coming to make a statement. And if history is any guide, it would take something extraordinary to stop them from lifting the trophy yet again.
