Australia Captain Meg Lanning Ruled Out Of Women's Ashes 2023

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Australian Women's team have suffered a huge blow ahead of the Ashes as the Aussie skipper Meg Lanning has been ruled out of the tour on Saturday morning.

Lanning has been withdrawn from the squad due to a 'medical issue', according to Cricket Australia. Medical staff working with the Australian team have advised her to stay at home as part of her management.

The timeframe of her return at this point remains unknown. Lanning took a mental health break late last year but she returned to the national team in January 2023 and led Australia to their ICC Women's T20 World Cup triumph in February.

Australia's Head of Performance (Women's Cricket) Shawn Flegler reflected on Lanning's absence and said it's an unfortunate setback for her, though he has stressed their support is behind the national captain as she continues to walk on the road to make a comeback. "She is 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," Flegler said as quoted by ICC.