Why is Meg Lanning Not Playing Ashes 2023?

The Australian women’s team might just have their noses ahead in the ongoing Women’s Ashes 2023 series, but the services of their designated captain Meg Lanning ahead of the multi-format series is certainly being missed.

The most successful captain in the history of international cricket, Lanning was well and truly part of Australia’s 15-member women team squad for the ongoing tour of England and the battle there to retain the Ashes. The squad was announced on March 30.

However, with the contest just three weeks away from its commencement, the 31-year-old was unfortunately ruled out of the entire series which comprises one Test, three T20Is, followed by as many ODIs.

Why is Meg Lanning Not Playing Women’s Ashes 2023?

In what had arrived as a a significant setback for the Australian team’s bid to retain the Ashes, Lanning was ruled out of Women’s Ashes 2023 due to undisclosed medical reasons. The exact nature of Lanning’s injury or condition could not be revealed owing to privacy, but Cricket Australia (CA) did confirm that the same required a treatment at home.

“It’s an unfortunate setback for Meg and she’s obviously disappointed to have been ruled out of the Ashes. It’s a significant series for the team and she’ll be missed, but she understands the need to put her health first. Meg will remain at home where she will continue to work with medical staff with the aim to return to playing as soon as possible” CA’s head of performance Shawn Flegler had stated.

Post confirmation of the news, CA further announced that wicket-keeper batter Alyssa Healy will lead the team during the series in her absence, while all-rounder Tahlia McGrath will act as her deputy.

It is worth of a mention that Lanning had taken a six-month break from cricket last year to focus on her mental health. She returned back during an ODI series against Pakistan in January this year to follow it with leading Australia to their sixth ICC Women’s T20 World Cup title the following month.

Meg Lanning Had Missed The Ashes 2017/18 As Well

Ahead of the Ashes 2017/18 series as well, Lanning was ruled out due to a year-old shoulder injury which later needed to be operated. Before the contest, she had a missed a few matches of the ICC Women’s Cricket World Cup as well.

It was during The Ashes 2013 that the World Cup winning skipper had kick-started her Test career against England. Since then, Australia have played a total of six Ashes series. They have won three, lost a couple, and one series had ended in a draw. During the previous year, Australia had lifted the series with a thumping 12-4 margin.