Lanning ruled out of the Ashes, Healy to lead Australia

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Lanning ruled out of the Ashes, Healy to lead Australia


Australia captain Meg Lanning has been ruled out of the Ashes for medical reasons. Alyssa Healy will lead the multi-format series that begins June 22.

Lanning returned to play in January after taking an extended break from playing to monitor his mental health and led Australia to the T20 World Cup title in South Africa during March before taking part in the inaugural WPL.

“This is an unfortunate setback for Meg and she is obviously disappointed to have been ruled out of the Ashes – it is an important series for the team and will be missed, but she understands the need to put her health first,” Shawn Flegler, CA’s head of women’s cricket performance , said.

“Meg will remain at home where she will continue to work with medical staff with the goal of returning to play as soon as possible. We ask that Meg’s privacy be respected at this time.”

A statement from CA added: “On the advice of CA’s medical staff, Lanning has been removed from the team due to a medical issue that requires management from home. The timeline for Lanning’s return to play will be made clear in due course.”

It will be the second Ashes series Lanning has missed after sitting out the 2017-18 series in Australia due to a shoulder injury.

During Lanning’s absence from the team last year, Healy took over the captaincy and will once again be supported by Tahlia McGrath as vice-captain.

Australia will not be replacing Lanning in the Ashes team with Australia A touring simultaneously for the first part of the trip, meaning they can recruit players as needed.