With ticket sales soaring to a record high of over 70,000, the anticipation for the upcoming Women’s Ashes series is at an unprecedented level. As the countdown to the series, which is less than a month away, intensifies, Cricket Australia’s recent announcement about regular skipper Meg Lanning has sent shockwaves across Australia.
The countdown is on for the Women’s Ashes, which is now less than a month away. However, a recent development from Cricket Australia regarding regular skipper Meg Lanning has sent shockwaves across Australia.
Shawn Flegler, the Head of Women’s Cricket Performance, recently announced that Meg Lanning won’t be able to participate in the upcoming Women’s Ashes. This decision was made based on the advice of Cricket Australia’s medical staff, who have identified an issue that requires management back at home.
Quoting Shawn Flegler, “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.
“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.”
🚨BIG BREAKING 💔
Due to medical reasons, Meg Lanning has been ruled out of the Ashes 2023.
Alyssa Healy is named captain, with Tahlia McGrath as her deputy.#CricketTwitter pic.twitter.com/AAr4bKDq8m
— Female Cricket (@imfemalecricket) May 27, 2023
Ahead of the highly anticipated Women’s Ashes series commencing on June 22, in the United Kingdom, Australia has announced keeper-batter Alyssa Healy as the sides skipper, while star all-rounder Tahlia McGrath has been named her deputy.
Cricket Australia has chosen not to disclose the specifics of Meg Lanning’s medical issue(s) and has refrained from providing a timeframe for her return as well. As of now, no replacement has been named for Meg Lanning, however, there is potential for reinforcements from the Australia A tour, which is set to commence on June 15.
After leading her side to a gold medal finish at the Commonwealth Games, Meg Lanning decided to take a break from cricket. She made her return in January after a six-month absence, during a home series against Pakistan. Subsequently, under her leadership, Australia triumphed in defending their Women’s Twenty20 World Cup title in March.
Meg’s most recent outing had come in March, during the inaugural edition of the Women’s Premier League (WPL), where she captained the Delhi Capitals to the Final of the competition. Throughout the tournament, Meg showcased her batting prowess, scoring the highest total of 345 runs in nine matches, with an impressive average of 49.28 and a strike rate of 139.11.
While the English have been buzzing and commenting on the upcoming Ashes series, it remains to be seen if they can back up their words. However, what is certain at this stage is that they have got their noses ahead with the absence of Meg Lanning from the series.
