Meg Lanning’s break from cricket is over with the worldwide celebrity named within the Australian squad to tackle Pakistan on dwelling soil subsequent month, though Alyssa Healy will miss the sequence on account of a calf damage.
Lanning hasn’t performed for 5 months after she went on an indefinite break following a busy schedule that included an Ashes sequence, 50-over World Cup and the Commonwealth Games.
There have been whispers she could possibly be nearing a return when she was noticed within the nets on Thursday, and the rumours have been confirmed this morning when she was named as captain to steer the 13 participant squad.
Lanning’s management and batting prowess are simply what the Aussies want given stand-in skipper Alyssa Healy will miss the sequence after she injured her calf in India, which implies Tahlia McGrath will retain her function as vice-captain.
Young gun Phoebe Litchfield and former Irish bowler Kim Garth have each been picked and are in line to make their ODI debuts, however Jess Jonassen might want to overcome a hamstring damage if she needs to be thought-about for the primary recreation on January 16.
“Meg brings so much to the side both on and off the field, and it’s pleasing to welcome her back at such an important time with the T20 World Cup just over a month away,” nationwide selector Shawn Flegler mentioned.
“The Indian series allowed us to blood some new talent and it’s pleasing to be able to retain Kim and Phoebe for this series.
“Heather Graham, Amanda-Jade Wellington and Grace Harris unfortunately miss out; however, they all remain in contention for selection for the T20 leg of the tour and T20 World Cup.
“Alyssa won’t have recovered from her calf injury in time, so that presents an opportunity for Beth (Mooney) to take the gloves in her absence.”
Australia ODI squad: Meg Lanning (c), Tahlia McGrath (vc), Darcie Brown, Nicola Carey, Ashleigh Gardner, Kim Garth, Jess Jonassen, Alana King, Phoebe Litchfield, Beth Mooney, Ellyse Perry, Megan Schutt, Annabel Sutherland
