The 21-year-old, who made her international debut in 2018 and has won both the World T20 and Ashes in her brief career so far, has dropped out from the Melbourne Renegades squad to face Melbourne Stars on Saturday, November 23, in the Women’s Big Bash League.

Molineux is the latest in a long line of Australian cricketers to walk away from the sport, following the path of Glenn Maxwell, Nic Maddinson and Will Pucovski, who have all stepped away in recent weeks, for similar reasons.

Renegades coach Tim Coyle expressed the club’s support for Molineux. “Sophie knows her teammates and the Renegades coaches and support staff are always there for her,” Coyle said. “We’ll give Sophie the time, space and any support she needs.”

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Pip Inge, Australia Women’s team doctor, said that Cricket Australia will support Molineux during her break.

“Sophie has made the decision to take a break from cricket and we are providing her with the support she needs,” Inge said. “The welfare of our players is a priority, and we are proud of the brave decision by Sophie to step away from the game.”

Makinley Blows has been called into the Renegades squad for the derby match against Stars, which will take place at the Eastern Oval in Ballarat.