Australia’s women’s team has been dealt a significant setback ahead of next month’s Ashes tour in England, with skipper Meg Lanning ruled out due to medical reasons.
Cricket Australia (CA) confirmed the news on Saturday morning, with Alyssa Healy to fill in as captain of the side while Tahlia McGrath was named as vice-captain.
While the exact nature of Lanning’s medical issue was not disclosed, CA said in a statement that it required management from home.
Watch every match of the 2023 IPL LIVE & On-Demand with Kayo. New to Kayo? Start your free trial now >
“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 (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.
“We ask that Meg’s privacy is respected at this time.”
A direct replacement for Lanning has not been named with Australia to instead look for replacements from the Australia A touring party if it is required.
Lanning took a six-month break from the game last year for personal reasons before returning as Australia captain for the one-day international series against Pakistan in January.
She made an immediate impact on that occasion, starring with 67 runs in an eight-wicket win to open the series and will leave a considerable hole in Australia’s top order ahead of the Ashes tour.
Australia squad: Alyssa Healy (c), Tahlia McGrath (vc), Darcie Brown, Ashleigh Gardner, Kim Garth, Grace Harris, Jess Jonassen, Alana King, Phoebe Litchfield, Beth Mooney, Ellyse Perry, Megan Schutt, Annabel Sutherland, Georgia Wareham