WBBL 2022: Meg Lanning to miss season in order to prolong her break from game

Meg Lenning, the designated skipper of the Australian team will not be seen playing in the Women’s Big Bash League (WBBL) scheduled to start on the 13th of October. The 30-year-old was scheduled to don the green of Melbourne Stars but the management has confirmed the news of her missing the tournament.

At the moment, the Stars are yet to name a replacement and the management will also have to pick their captain for the tournament. The team will play their first match against Brisbane Heat on the 15th of October and thus, there’s very little time for them to take some tough calls.

No one is quite sure about when the cricketer will return back to the field. Just after winning gold in the commonwealth games, Meg Lanning took the bold step and the management at Melbourne Stars showed their support and asked for some privacy during this time.

“The club respects her decision and asks that her privacy continue to be respected," a statement from Melbourne Stars read.

When the time is right we'll have those conversations: Head coach Shelley Nitschke on Lanning

As Lanning’s future is uncertain at the moment, the prospect of her missing the India tour looks possible. Recently appointed head coach, Shelley Nitschke has clarified that the team management is yet to sit and have a conversation with Lanning about her future. 

“When the time is right we'll have those conversations about whether she is back in December or whenever it might be,” said the head coach as quoted by ESPNcricinfo.

At the moment, the Australian team are looking for a new leader as Rachael Haynes has now retired from all forms of the game. The head coach however is confident and believes in the potential of the squad.

“There are a good group of emerging leaders in our team that are going to have opportunities to stick their hands up. We don't have a designated leadership group but there are people amongst the team and group that are leaders on and off the field. Some girls lead in their states. They all have different strengths,” said Nitschke.