Australian cricket captain Meg Lanning has been ruled out of the upcoming women’s Ashes in a huge blow for the Aussies.
Cricket: Australian test skipper Meg Lanning has been forced out of the Ashes next month, due to medical issues.
The 31-year-old only returned to the team in January after a six-month break to “focus on myself”, days after winning gold at the Commonwealth Games in August.
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On her return, she led Australia to victory at the Twenty20 World Cup in South Africa and took Delhi Capitals to the final of the inaugural Women’s Premier League in India.
Cricket Australia said in a statement that Lanning would miss the upcoming tour to England “due to a medical issue which requires management from home”.
No time frame was given for her return.
Meg Lanning will miss the Ashes due to a medical issue. (Photo by Quinn Rooney/Getty Images)
“It’s an unfortunate setback for Meg and she’s obviously disappointed to have been ruled out of the Ashes,” CA’s head of performance for women’s cricket Shawn Flegler said.
“It’s a significant series for the team and she’ll be missed, but she understands the need to put her health first.
“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.”
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 sole Test against England at Trent Bridge before a series of T20s of ODIs.
Australia squad: Alyssa Healy (captain), Tahlia McGrath, Darcie Brown, Ashleigh Gardner, Kim Garth, Grace Harris, Jess Jonassen, Alana King, Phoebe Litchfield, Beth Mooney, Ellyse Perry, Megan Schutt, Annabel Sutherland, Georgia Wareham