It has been an emotional couple of days for Australia’s Ashes squad. Stand-in skipper Alyssa Healy chats to LACHLAN McKIRDY about the aftermath of Meg Lanning’s withdrawal and what to expect in England.
Cricket: Australian test skipper Meg Lanning has been forced out of the Ashes next month, due to medical issues.
On Saturday, Cricket Australia confirmed that Lanning would remain in the country to deal with a medical issue that requires treatment in Australia.
CODE Sports understands the issue is separate from why she took a five-month break from the game following the 2022 Commonwealth Games.
Lanning will be replaced as captain for the series by Alyssa Healy, who previously had an opportunity to lead the side during last year’s white-ball tour of India.
The 33-year-old wicketkeeper admits it has been hard to come to terms with the manner of her appointment, but is excited for the challenge of leading her country in such a prestigious series.
“It’s somewhat bittersweet,” Healy told CODE Sports.
“It’s been an emotional couple of days grappling with some sadness and feelings for Meg, in between that and being genuinely excited for the challenge that’s going to come over the next few months.”
Alyssa Healy and Meg Lanning share a laugh during this year’s women’s Indian Premier League. Picture: BCCI
The sudden nature of Lanning’s withdrawal could potentially disrupt the squad. However, being together in camp in Brisbane helped the group process the devastating news and offer support for their captain.
“It would have been weird being at home and wallowing in that for a week and getting on a plane to head over,” Healy said.
“It’s nice that we’re up here and spending a bit of time together, and everyone is dealing with the news as differently as they can.
“I think everyone will rally behind Meg and make sure that she’s okay, and then make sure we go over there and do her proud and hopefully win an Ashes.”
Meg Lanning played alongside Alyssa Healy at the 2022 Commonwealth Games before taking a break from cricket. Picture: Michael Klein
Australian coach Shelley Nitschke will take charge for the first multi-format series of her reign in England.
The squad was already without one of its most experienced stars Rachael Haynes through retirement while the unavailability of Lanning adds further complexity to Nitschke’s preparations.
“It‘s obviously not ideal, but we’ve had some time to sort of get our head around it now,” Nitschke told reporters.
“I‘m sure they were a little bit rattled by the news as well.
“We‘ve got a lot of experience in the group. I think one thing that we’ve been good at over the years is just being able to adapt and take some knocks when they come.
“I‘ve got the utmost confidence in our group to head across and hopefully get the job done.”
Tahlia McGrath, who was player of the series in the most recent Ashes, has been named vice-captain for the tour. Picture: Mike Owen/Getty Images
Experienced players like Healy, Ellyse Perry, Megan Schutt and Beth Mooney will be at the fore for Australia’s campaign, but it also opens the door for young players to make a name for themselves.
Young gun Phoebe Litchfield looks primed for a debut baggy green at the top of the order, while former Irish international Kim Garth could come into consideration due to her skill with the swinging Dukes ball.
It’s all part of what will make this series such an enthralling battle.
“I think this women’s Ashes series is going to be a real battle of the young guns,” Healy said.
“England has had some real turnover as well with their bowling stocks in particular. It’s a great opportunity for a lot of young players to go, ‘This is my opportunity in international cricket, I’m going to grab it’.
“I’m not doubting at any point the depth that we’ve got, It’s going to be an exciting period for us.”