Indore: Left-arm spinner Sophie Molineux returns to Australia’s playing eleven for the first time after knee surgery and recovery, as skipper Alyssa Healy won the toss and elected to bat first against New Zealand in their 2025 Women’s ODI World Cup opener at the Holkar Stadium on Wednesday.

With Sophie coming in, veteran pacer Megan Schutt has been left out, as Australia have opted to go with out-and-out pace of Darcie Brown alongside Megan Schutt. Australia are seven-time world champions and reigning holders of the trophy. They are aiming to begin their title defence in what is also the venue’s first international women’s game.

“Just put some runs on the board and see what happens. There's a possibility it could get better later but it didn't happen last night. We played some really to

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