Molineux was due to join the Manchester Originals at the Hundred, but the injury has forced her out of that as well. Grace Harris another likely selection in the World Cup squad, will also miss the tournament where she was set to play for London Spirit, after picking up a calf strain.

“Molineux suffered an acute rib fracture after being struck by a ball in the chest while batting last week,” a CA statement said. “Harris suffered an aggravation of a calf injury sustained in her preparation for The Hundred and the upcoming season. She is now working through a graduated rehabilitation and [a] return-to-play program.”

Australia will take on New Zealand in a 3-match T20I series between September 19 and 24, before heading to Bangladesh for the T20 World Cup which starts on October 3.

Molineux, the left-arm spin-bowling all-rounder, returned to Australia colours in February for the first time since 2021 after a run of injuries. She made her comeback in the one-off Test against South Africa in Perth, before being named as the Player of the Series in the T20Is against Bangladesh after taking six wickets at 8.33. Earlier in the tour, she took 3 for 10 on her return to the ODI side.

Kim Garth will be replacing Molineux at the Hundred. Apart from Harris and Molineux, other Australia contracted players who will not be playing in either the Hundred or the Australia A series are captain Alyssa Healy and fast bowler Darcie Brown, who is continuing her recovery from a stress fracture of the foot.