The captain of Australia’s women’s cricket team, Meg Lanning, has been deemed too ill to travel to England, in a major blow to her team’s Ashes campaign.
Lanning, 31, returned to cricket in January after taking time off days after winning gold at the Commonwealth Games, saying at the time of his decision that “after a busy couple of years” he was giving “a step back to allow me to spend time concentrating on myself.”
There was no such personal statement accompanying Cricket Australia’s Saturday announcement and few details were offered, as it was confirmed that Lanning would have to stay home.
“It’s an unfortunate setback for Meg and she’s obviously disappointed to have been ruled out of the Ashes,” said Shawn Flegler, Australia’s director of women’s cricket.
“It’s an important series for the team and it will be missed, but he understands the need to put his health first.
“Meg will remain at home where she will continue to work with the medical staff with the goal of returning to play as soon as possible.”
Lanning, who at the age of 21 became Australia’s youngest captain, has led Australia’s dominance of women’s international cricket for the past five years.
