Meg Lanning again absent from Australian squads named for West Indies series

The reason for Meg Lanning’s ongoing absence remains unclear, but she won’t be playing when Australia tackles the West Indies next month.

Meg Lanning‘s name remained absent again from the Australian T20 and ODI squads named for an upcoming series against the West Indies, with Cricket Australia’s medical team ruling the skipper “unavailable for competitive cricket”.

But that only extends to international matches for now as national selection boss Shawn Flegler confirmed Lanning made her playing comeback for Victoria in a practice match against NSW on the Sunshine Coast last week.

There was hope Lanning, who missed the Ashes victory as she took a second break from the game, would return for the matches to be played in October, having last played for Australia in the T20 World Cup triumph in South Africa in March.

The reason for Lanning’s ongoing absence remains unclear, but Australian women’s team doctor Pip Inge said a “gradual return” through domestic cricket was likely, although there was no date locked in for Lanning’s comeback.

“Meg is progressing well but remains unavailable for competitive cricket,” Dr Inge said.

“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.”

Flegler said Lanning was “going well” and could return for Australia sometime this summer.

“That’s the plan. We’re hopeful she will come through domestic cricket first up and see how things progress,” Flegler said.

Meg Lanning hasn’t played for Australia since March. Picture: Mike Hewitt/Getty Images

“She was up at the Sunshine Coast and I caught up with her there. She’s progressing well, just part of that return-to-play plan.

“She’s going well, Meg. We’re very hopeful that she’s back on deck at some point during the summer for Australia.”

Alyssa Healy will continue as captain in Lanning’s absence, making her own return from a finger injury along with Ellyse Perry, who missed a three-game series against Ireland after the Ashes with a knee issue.

There are no surprise selections in either squad as the Australians play on home soil for the first time since the 2023 T20 World Cup triumph and women’s Ashes retention.

“We saw the depth of talent and flexibility within the squad which toured England and Ireland in the winter and as a result have selected similar squads for the upcoming series,” Flegler said.

“Alyssa and Ellyse are on track in their return-to-play programs. Both are well placed to take part in Women’s National Cricket League matches later this month and are expected to be fully available for the upcoming international series.

“Alyssa embraced the added challenge of captaincy during the Ashes and will again lead the team in Meg’s absence. We’re fortunate to have plenty of international experience and strong leaders within the squad and know she will be well supported.

Australian women’s T20I squad

Alyssa Healy, Tahlia McGrath, 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, Tahlia McGrath, Darcie Brown, Ashleigh Gardner, Kim Garth, Jess Jonassen, Alana King, Phoebe Litchfield, Beth Mooney, Ellyse Perry, Megan Schutt, Annabel Sutherland, Georgia Wareham.

T20I series

Oct 1: Australia vs. West Indies | North Sydney Oval, Sydney

Oct 2: Australia vs. West Indies | North Sydney Oval, Sydney

Oct 5: Australia vs. West Indies | Allan Border Field, Brisbane

ODI series

Oct 8: Australia vs. West Indies | Allan Border Field, Brisbane

Oct 12: Australia vs. West Indies | CitiPower Centre, Melbourne

Oct 14: Australia vs. West Indies | CitiPower Centre, Melbourne

Originally published as Meg Lanning again absent from Australian squads named for West Indies series