AUS vs PAK ODI 2022: Australian cricket team fans finally received the news they were waiting to listen to when cricket Australia announced a 13-member squad for the three-match ODI series at home, set to take place from January 16.
Meg Lanning will be seen in Action when she returns and is captain of the Australian team, which is scheduled to play the ODI series against Pakistan next month and then the T20I World Cup in February.
It’s worth mentioning that Alyssa Healy, who led the Australian team on a recent tour to India, won’t be able to feature in the ODI series against Pakistan after picking up a calf strain on time in Mumbai, in place of her, Beth Mooney will play the duty of keeping gloves.
Meg Lanning took an indefinite break from Cricket in August following the Commonwealth Games due to personal reasons. She missed the Women’s Big Bash League and five T20I series against India as well.
Meg Lanning posted a pic of herself practising in the net on her Instagram handle moments after the Australian cricket board announced the squad. She captioned what she gained in the last five months she was away from the action.
AUS vs PAK ODI 2022: Australia Women’s Cricket Team Captain; Meg Lanning Back from an Indefinite Break!
“Sometimes you have to hit pause, step back and take a breather. That’s certainly what I needed. The past six months have taught me a lot. I’ve learnt much about myself and who and what is important to me.” She spoke.
“I’ve always played my cards pretty close to my chest. This experience has given me a greater appreciation of how opening up and talking to the people that care about you really can make the tough times feel easier. It’s ok to ask for help and admit that you don’t have everything under control.”
“Having enjoyed some time and space, I feel refreshed and ready to play the game I love in teams that I love. It’s such an exciting time for the game, and I can’t wait to be part of it!” She further added.
Australian national women’s cricket team selector, Shawn Flegler, talked about the announced squad, omissions, injuries, and return of Meg Lanning, with heaping praise on the latter:
“Meg brings so much to the side both on and off the field, and it’s pleasing to welcome her back at such an important time with the T20 World Cup just over a month away. While we welcome Meg back, Alyssa won’t have recovered from her calf injury in time, so that presents an opportunity for Beth to take the gloves in her absence.”
Australia announced the following squad for the ODI series against Pakistan next month:
AUS vs PAK ODI 2022: Australia Women’s Cricket Team Captain; Meg Lanning Back from an Indefinite Break!
Meg Lanning (c), Beth Mooney (wk), Tahlia McGrath, Darcie Brown, Nicola Carey, Ashleigh Gardner, Kim Garth, Alana King, Phoebe Litchfield, Ellyse Perry, Megan Schutt, Annabel Sutherland, Jess Jonassen (subject to fitness)
Talking about the squad, a few players have been left out from the Indian tour, like Grace Harris, Amanda-Jade Wellington, and Hat-trick hero in the final T20I, Heather Graham, as well. However, Phoebe Litchfield and Kim Garth have been retained from the recent tour.
Moreover, captain of the Australian side in the final T20I against India due to Healy’s absence due to injury, Tahlia McGrath continues as vice-captain.
Moreover, Jess Jonassen picked up an injury on a recent tour to India but has been included in the squad. Although, she will have to prove her fitness to be considered for the games.
Last but not least, the three-match ODI series will kick off next month on the 16, 18 and 21 of January, with the first two matches to take place at Brisbane, in the Allan Border Field and the third & last at North Sydney Oval. After the conclusion of the ODI series, both teams will face each other in three T20I matches on the 24, 26 and 29 of January before heading to South Africa to participate in the T20I World Cup.
