Star batter Meg Lanning has been ruled out of the women’s Ashes series. DANIEL CHERNY reports on the setback and who will captain Australia on the tour.
Lanning, 31, who last year took an extended break from the game for personal reasons, will be replaced as captain by Alyssa Healy.
The Victorian will not be replaced in the squad, with Australia to find cover from the Australia A touring party if needed.
An all-time great of the women’s game who has led Australia to myriad series wins and world titles, the superstar batter leaves a major hole in the tourists’ top order.
Lanning and Alyssa Healy have both played key roles in Australia’s golden run of dominance. Picture: Michael Klein
Cricket Australia head of women’s performance Shawn Flegler said Lanning’s wellbeing was the top priority.
“It’s an unfortunate setback for Meg and she’s obviously disappointed to have been ruled out of the Ashes; it’s a significant series for the team and she’ll be missed, but she understands the need to put her health first,” Flegler said.
“Meg will remain at home where she will continue to work with medical staff with the aim to return to playing as soon as possible.
“We ask that Meg’s privacy is respected at this time.”
Healy captained the national side in Lanning’s absence during 2022.
“I’m a very different leader to Meg, I’m a different personality,” the wicketkeeper-batter said at the time.
“It’s about me just putting my spin on that role and making sure that I’m doing the best I possibly can for this group to maintain the success that we’ve had.
“I don’t think I necessarily need to change too much personality wise within the group, probably just putting a bit more thought and planning into what’s actually going on the field.”
All-rounder Tahlia McGrath has been promoted to vice-captain for the multi-format series.
The women‘s Ashes begins on June 22 with the one-off Test at Trent Bridge.