Healy hopeful of Lanning’s imminent return for West Indies series

In May this year, Australia’s skipper Meg Lanning took an indefinite leave from cricket for medical reasons, making her miss both the women’s Ashes and WODI series against Ireland. Alyssa Healy stepped in to lead the team, and the wicketkeeper is now hopeful of Lanning’s imminent return to the Australian setup for the Windies series. 

"I've spoken to her in bits and pieces but I left her alone during the Ashes because it would have been tough for her to watch," Healy said. "I haven't seen her just yet but from all reports she's going really well. I look forward to hopefully seeing her back in Aussie colours in October against the Windies.

Australia didn’t have the best results at the Ashes, losing the ODI series 2-1 and a 50-over series for the first time this decade. Lanning’s return for the three-match ODI and three-match T20I series could be her first assignment ahead of the Women’s Big Bash League (WBBL), where she represents the Melbourne Stars. 

"I'm always hopeful [of her return], and I think the whole country is hopeful of that, but that's a decision not for me. Hopefully she's playing some cricket really soon. From all reports, she's progressing really well for the summer."

Healy was more than happy to hand over the captaincy duties to Lanning before her return and insisted that her ‘fitness’ is the main thing for the country. 

"Meg is the captain of the Australian women's cricket team, and I'm fully aware of that fact," Healy said. "I've just been doing my job as best as I can for the group, but that's a decision and a conversation for Meg to have.

"We want her to be fit and firing first and foremost, and if that means coming back and taking charge of the team then I'll happily step aside and support her in the best way I know how."