**Next Article Analysis: Can Australia Defend Their Women’s World Cup Title?**
*By Gaurav Tripathi | Sep 27, 2025, 01:11 pm*
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**What’s the Story?**
The Australian women’s cricket team, led by veteran keeper-batter Alyssa Healy, is determined to defend its title at the upcoming ICC Women’s World Cup 2025, starting September 30. The squad also welcomes back spinner Sophie Molineux from injury, strengthening an already formidable bowling attack.
Out of the 15-member squad, 10 players were part of the team that won Australia’s seventh World Cup title in New Zealand in 2022. Here, we analyze the strengths and weaknesses of the squad ahead of the tournament.
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**Team Composition**
Australia’s squad for the Women’s World Cup 2025 includes:
– Alyssa Healy (c)
– Darcie Brown
– Ash Gardner
– Kim Garth
– Heather Graham
– Alana King
– Phoebe Litchfield
– Tahlia McGrath
– Sophie Molineux
– Beth Mooney
– Ellyse Perry
– Megan Schutt
– Annabel Sutherland
– Georgia Voll
– Georgia Wareham
The team is coached by Shelley Nitschke and currently holds the top spot in the ICC WODI rankings.
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**Team Analysis**
**Batting Strengths**
Batting remains one of Australia’s key strengths. Veteran players like Ellyse Perry, Beth Mooney, and Ashleigh Gardner are in excellent form, averaging over 43 in WODIs this year. The team has also successfully integrated young talents such as Phoebe Litchfield and Georgia Voll. The Women in Yellow have been dominant in 2025, winning five of their six WODIs, including a recent 2-1 series victory over co-hosts India.
**Depth of All-Rounders and Fielding**
Australia boasts a strong lineup of all-rounders, adding versatility and balance. In the recent India series, Alyssa Healy utilized eight different bowlers, highlighting the team’s bowling depth. Players like Perry, Gardner, and Tahlia McGrath are among the world’s best all-rounders.
Fielding is another standout aspect, with athletes such as Megan Schutt and Perry known for their safe hands and agility in the field.
**Pressure Performance**
Australia’s ability to perform under pressure is legendary. With seven WODI World Cup titles and six WT20 World Cups to their name, the team’s experience is unmatched. Having 10 players from the victorious 2022 squad provides a clear edge in high-stakes matches. Notably, this may be the last World Cup for several seasoned players like Healy, Mooney, Perry, and Megan Schutt, adding emotional motivation.
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**Challenges and Concerns**
**Fitness Issues**
Fitness remains a concern, given Sophie Molineux’s return from a long injury layoff and Healy’s recent comeback. The hot and humid conditions expected in India and Sri Lanka will further challenge the team’s workload management.
**Healy’s Form**
Alyssa Healy’s form as an opener is another point of uncertainty. Since January 2024, she has scored 490 runs in WODIs at an average of 32.66, a dip from her usual explosive standards. How she adapts to the conditions and pressure will be crucial for Australia’s title defense.
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**Conclusion**
Australia enters the ICC Women’s World Cup 2025 as strong favorites, backed by a blend of experience, talent, and depth. While fitness concerns and form fluctuations exist, the squad’s proven ability to handle pressure and perform consistently makes them a formidable contender to defend their crown on home and neighboring soil. Cricket fans worldwide will be eager to watch how the Women in Yellow rise to the occasion once again.
https://www.newsbytesapp.com/news/sports/icc-women-s-odi-world-cup-analysis-of-australia/story