Meg Lanning ruled out of Ashes due to medical reasons

The Australian women's cricket team suffered a massive blow ahead of the Ashes as skipper Meg Lanning has been ruled out of the series due to medical reasons. 

Cricket Australia confirmed the development in a press release and stated Lanning would continue to work with the medical team from home, and the timeline for her return to sport will be decided in due course. 

Wishing Meg nothing but the best. ❤️

More: https://t.co/G4dpLsWqXz pic.twitter.com/uC0hjfdmya

— Australian Women's Cricket Team 🏏 (@AusWomenCricket) May 27, 2023

"It's an unfortunate setback for Meg, and she's 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.

"Meg will remain at home where she will continue to work with medical staff with the aim to return to playing as soon as possible," Head of Performance Shawn Flegler said.

The 31-year-old returned to the sport in January for a white-ball series against Pakistan at home after taking a mental health break post the Commonwealth Games in August 2022. 

Lanning led the team to yet another title in the T20 World Cup in South Africa and featured in the inaugural Women's Premier League, taking the Delhi Capitals to the finale. 

In her absence, Alyssa Healy will lead the team across formats, with Tahlia McGrath named as her deputy. 

The duo were a part of the leadership group when Australia toured India for a five-match T20I series in December and will be keen to minimise the hole created by Lanning's departure. 

The multi-format series begins with a one-off Test on June 22 against England at Trent Bridge, followed by three T20Is and three ODIs, ending in Taunton on July 18.