Annabel Sutherland will captain the Melbourne Stars in the WBBL with an eye on future Australian leadership

A gun Aussie all-rounder is set to fill arguably the biggest captaincy shoes in cricket which could be a signal of things to come.

Annabel Sutherland is the new captain of the Melbourne Stars. (Photo by Gareth Copley/Getty Images)

A possible succession plan for the Australian captaincy has been set in motion after star all-rounder Annabel Sutherland was named as Meg Lanning’s successor at the Melbourne Stars for the WBBL season.

Sutherland, 23, made her Stars debut aged just 15 and has been mooted as a future national skipper. She joins her brother, Victorian Sheffield Shield captain Will, in what’s becoming a family business.

Named the player of the tournament for The Hundred in the UK this season, Sutherland, who is an all-format player for Australia, has proven herself to be in demand.

She netted a massive $364,000 at this year’s Women’s IPL in India and will now take the reins from the winningest captain in Australian cricket history.

Lanning is playing on, but relinquished the captaincy of both the Stars and Victoria after retiring from international cricket.

“I’m thrilled to announce Annabel Sutherland as the new Melbourne Stars WBBL Captain,” Stars General Manager, Blair Crouch, said.

“Annabel has proven herself as a standout performer at both domestic and international level and has worked extremely hard on and developed her leadership skills, particularly over the last couple of years.

Our new Skipper, @annabelsuth3pic.twitter.com/quA9SiBDWG

— Melbourne Stars (@StarsBBL) October 25, 2024

“Despite still being so young, Annabel is vastly experienced and her reputation within the game is second to none.

“I’d also like to pay tribute to Meg Lanning’s captaincy during her time at the club and what an amazing resource and support for Annabel to still have, both on and off the field.”

Sutherland joins 21-year-old Australian teammate, Phoebe Litchfield, who has been named captain of the Sydney Thunder for the WBBL season which begins on Sunday, as new skippers.

Both are regarded as future Australian leaders, with current skipper, Alyssa Healy, set to turn 35 next March.

Tahlia McGrath, the current vice-captain who took control when Healy injured her foot during this month’s T20 World Cup, the likely next in line, and at just 28, could be in charge for some time.

The Stars open their WBBL campaign against the Perth Scorchers at the WACA on Sunday night.

Originally published as Annabel Sutherland will captain the Melbourne Stars in the WBBL with an eye on future Australian leadership