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Cricket Australia (CA) has unveiled a formidable squad for the upcoming white-ball series against the West Indies. The leg is set to begin from October 1 and will feature three Twenty20 Internationals (T20Is) and as many One-Day Internationals (ODIs). However, Australian cricket superstar Meg Lanning‘s name is notably absent from the roster.
Meg Lanning’s return to international cricket remains uncertain
Lanning’s absence comes as a disappointment to cricket fans worldwide, especially after her extended break from competitive cricket. The last time she was seen donning the Australian colours was during the T20 World Cup in South Africa back in February. Furthermore, she has not taken the field at all since the Women’s Premier League (WPL) 2023 in March, primarily due to an undisclosed medical issue that has kept her sidelined.
The latest update on Lanning’s condition comes from Cricket Australia’s team doctor, Pip Inge, who mentioned that while Lanning is progressing well in her recovery, there is no fixed timeline for her return to competitive cricket. It is anticipated that she will gradually make her comeback through domestic cricket, but her availability for international duties remains uncertain.
“Meg is progressing well but remains unavailable for competitive cricket. No date has been set for Meg’s return to play; however, we anticipate a gradual return through domestic cricket. CA medical staff will continue to work closely with Meg, and an update on her availability will be provided in due course,” Inge was quoted saying as per ESPNcricinfo.
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Alyssa Healy and Ellyse Perry return after being sidelined due to injuries
In Lanning’s absence, the experienced Alyssa Healy, who previously captained the Australian team during the 2023 Ashes series, has been entrusted with the skipper’s role once again. Healy’s return follows a brief hiatus due to a broken finger, which caused her to miss Australia’s last series against Ireland. On the other hand, star Aussie all-rounder Ellyse Perry is also making a comeback after being sidelined by a knee injury, and her return adds significant depth to the Australian squad.
Backing up Healy, Tahlia McGrath will serve as the vice-captain, adding to the star-studded lineup that promises an exciting showdown against the West Indies.
Australian women’s T20I squad:
Alyssa Healy (c/wk), Tahlia McGrath (vc), Darcie Brown, Ashleigh Gardner, Kim Garth, Grace Harris, Jess Jonassen, Phoebe Litchfield, Beth Mooney, Ellyse Perry, Megan Schutt, Annabel Sutherland, Georgia Wareham
Australian women’s ODI squad:
Alyssa Healy (c/wk), Tahlia McGrath (vc), Darcie Brown, Ashleigh Gardner, Kim Garth, Jess Jonassen, Alana King, Phoebe Litchfield, Beth Mooney, Ellyse Perry, Megan Schutt, Annabel Sutherland, Georgia Wareham
