Australian Women’s team captain Meg Lanning has been ruled out of the summer Ashes tour due to medical reasons.
A statement from Cricket Australia said Lanning, 31, who returned to cricket in January after a six-month mental health break, had been “withdrawn from the team due to a medical issue that needs to be managed at home. “.
Shawn Flegler, Cricket Australia’s women’s cricket performance boss, said: “It was an unfortunate defeat for Meg and she is clearly disappointed to be dropped from the Ashes; It’s been an important series for the team and she’ll be missed, but she understands the need to put her health first.
“Meg will be at home, where she will continue to work with the medical staff with the aim of getting back to playing as soon as possible.
“We ask that Meg’s privacy be respected at this time.”
Shaver Alyssa Healy will command the team during Ashes’ clashes with England with the almighty Tahlia McGrath as lieutenant.
Lanning, who captained Australia to victory at the Twenty20 World Cup in March, will not be substituted in the squad as the Australia A players play concurrently in England and will be available if needed.
The multi-format Ashes series begins with Trials Once in Nottingham from 22 June with three T20s and three ODISs.