Australia is setting its sights on going beyond the semifinals this time as the next generation of female cricketers prepares for the journey to the 2027 ICC Under-19 Women’s T20 World Cup. Following strong campaigns in both 2023 and 2025—where Australia reached the semifinals on each occasion—the hunger to break new ground is driving the latest batch of under-19 stars.
That hunger will be on full display later this month in Brisbane, where 26 of the most exciting young players from across the country will converge for the Lanning vs. Perry Series. This three-match T20 showdown, hosted at the National Cricket Campus (NCC), is more than a trial—it’s a launchpad.
Taking place over three consecutive days—April 25, 26, and 27—at the Northern Suburbs Cricket Club in Shaw Road, Kalinga, the series promises to be a high-intensity, development-focused spectacle.
Joining the coaching panel in a special role is legendary former captain Meg Lanning, who steps in as assistant coach for the Lanning Squad. Known for her cool leadership and dominance on the field, Lanning will work across both teams, mentoring and guiding players through the week.
Sonya Thompson, Cricket Australia’s Head of National Development, introduced Lanning’s return to the national setup in her new avatar, “The Lanning vs. Perry series has become an integral part of an extensive player pathway for the best young female cricketers across Australia.”
She continued, underlining the value of Lanning’s influence on the group, “We are delighted to welcome Meg Lanning on board as an assistant coach for the series. It is an incredible opportunity for our best emerging cricketers to spend a week learning and absorbing knowledge from one of Australia’s most decorated cricketers.”
Thompson also stressed the importance of this stage in the development cycle, especially after the strong showings in the last two editions of the U19 World Cup, “It’s an exciting period coming up for this age group as we begin a new cycle towards the 2027 Women’s U19 T20 World Cup.”
Those semifinal experiences have only added to the drive within the youth program to keep building, learning, and ultimately, conquering.
Players won’t just be competing—they’ll be growing holistically. The week-long program also includes off-field sessions focused on team bonding, mental development, and leadership, reinforcing Cricket Australia’s all-around approach to athlete development.
The series will be guided by state pathway coaches Natalie Schilov (Cricket Tasmania) and Cassie Brock (Cricket Victoria), with Lanning and current national women’s assistant coach Gavan Twining providing key support. Selection for the squads was carried out by the Youth Selection Panel (YSP), with input from State and Territory Associations via a nomination process.
Meg Lanning’s presence alone brings weight to the series. Appointed as Australia’s captain at just 21, Lanning carved out one of the most dominant reigns in women’s cricket history. Her leadership took Australia to five ICC titles—T20 World Cups in 2014, 2018, 2020, and 2023, as well as the 2022 ODI World Cup—and a gold medal at the 2022 Birmingham Commonwealth Games.
She also built a personal legacy with 8,352 international runs (345 in Tests, 4,602 in ODIs, and 3,405 in T20Is), 17 centuries, and 38 fifties—making her one of cricket’s modern icons.
2025 Lanning vs. Perry Series squad:
Ira Aery, Mia Barwick, Molly Dare, Alyssa Dermody, Ava Drury, Lucy Fletcher, Lili Hamilton, Arabella Handley, Alison Healey, Ivy Hobbs, Emily Jacobs, Jasmine Kamboj, Emma Krynau, Aurora Mavros, Charli McLennan, Ilona Melegh, Indigo Noble, Indira Panelli, Sophie Parsons, Emily Powell, Kaya Punter, Noura Abdul Qader, Chelsea Sonter, Ayaka Stafford, Tegan Williamson, Ajay Willoughby
Loves all things female cricket