Australian spin star Jess Jonassen couldn’t assist however “tear up” when nationwide captain Meg Lanning despatched a video message to her teammates declaring her self-imposed break was finished and she or he was coming again to cricket.
Lanning’s prolonged stint away from the sport, taken after Australia’s Commonwealth Games gold medal win in August, left many questioning if the ultra-successful skipper can be “lost to the game”, a thought that even crossed Jonassen’s thoughts.
But after dwelling like “a normal person” throughout her break, even working at a restaurant for 2 months, Lanning is again to guide Australia within the defence of the T20 World Cup title gained in magnificent style on the MCG in 2020 and everybody is totally delighted.
“When we were told a few weeks ago that Meg was coming back I must admit I got a little bit teary,” Jonassen, who’s over a hamstring harm and able to face Pakistan subsequent week earlier than heading to the World Cup in South Africa, stated on Tuesday.
“She did a video message and true to Meg, she’s a bit awkward not knowing the best way to do it, but I couldn’t have been happier to hear that news. I love that she’s back playing the game but even more happy and pleased she’s in a good head space and that break, she got out of it exactly what she needed.
“I flicked her a message straight away and told her just that. She genuinely looked happy and for me that was the biggest thing, seeing the difference in her as a human more so than knowing she was coming back to play cricket.”
Lanning’s video message, despatched to Jonassen by way of new coach Shelley Nitschke whereas the group was touring India final December, wasn’t with out it’s worrying moments to begin.
But the smile that beamed throughout her face delivered a extra necessary message than confirming her cricketing return did.
“She started off being ‘I’m not sure the right way to do this’ and my heart sunk initially because I thought she was going to tell us that she’s done,” Jonassen stated.
“But she kept going on and saying how much she loves our team and loves playing cricket … the longer the video went on the tearier I got and I had this goofy smile on my face.
“I know what it’s like at different points to feel a bit low, but for somebody in her role within our team, the leader of such a successful team, there’s a weight on her shoulders.
“For her to be able to go out there and live a normal life for a few months, it was really cool to see and really pleased that she is back and in a happy and healthy headspace.”
Nitschke stated there was by no means actually a dialogue about Lanning coming again as only a participant, and never captain, to alleviate a few of the strain that pushed her in direction of the entire break type the sport that additionally included journey in Europe.
“With Meg it was more so about what she was feeling, where she wants to take this stage of her career. We were pleased she wanted to come back and play and she was really keen to continue to captain,” she stated.
“We were more than happy to have her back in that role. Her hand wasn’t forced. She’s really comfortable with where she’s at.”
