During the series against the West Indies in October, acting captain of Australia Alyssa Healy discussed the possibility of Meg Lanning rejoining the team. Notably, Lanning left the team before the Women’s Ashes in 2023, claiming that she needed to manage her health from home.
Since that time, Cricket Australia (CA) has appointed Tahlia McGrath as her deputy and Alyssa Healy to step in as the team’s leader. Meg Lanning specific medical problem was not made public, but Healy recently claimed in an interview that the former is recovering well and is likely to re-join the national team before the series against the Windies.
“I’ve only spoken to Meg Lanning in passing, but I left her alone during the Ashes because I knew it would have been difficult for her to watch.
Although I haven’t seen her yet, she seems to be doing great from all accounts. I hope to see her back in Aussie colors in October against the Windies,” Healy is cited by ESPN cricinfo as saying.
“I’m always hoping that she’ll come home, and I believe that’s the hope of the entire nation, but that’s not a decision I should make. Hopefully she will be playing cricket very soon. According to all reports, she’s making great progress for the summer, she continued.
I’ll be happy to move aside and help her: Alyssa Heay
Healy went on to say that she would be prepared to give up her position as captain when Lanning rejoins the national squad. Beginning on October 1, Australia will play the Windies in a multi-format series that will comprise three T20 Internationals and as many ODIs.
I am well aware that Meg is the team’s captain and represents Australia’s women’s cricket team. I’ve just been doing my part as well as I can for the group, but Meg should make that choice and have that conversation. First and foremost, we want her to be healthy and ready to go. If that means returning to the team and taking command, I’ll gladly stand aside and offer my support.