Lanning shoulders load for Indian tour

MEG Lanning will return from injury to captain Australia’s women’s cricket team on its tour of India next month.

Lanning has recovered from a shoulder injury which sidelined her for the domestic summer, while Rachael Haynes has been named vicecaptain after this week’s retirement of Alex Blackwell.

The Australians will play three one-day internationals against India from March 12 before a Twenty20 tri-series against the Indians and England from March 22.

“Meg’s rehab has been progressing well,” national selector Shawn Flegler said.

“She’s back to her old self with the bat and with a few weeks until the first match, we’re confident she’ll be right to play when the time comes.

“And we’re extremely fortunate to have Rach as her deputy after doing a fantastic job as stand-in skipper during the women’s Ashes.

“She’ll be a great sounding board for Meg.”

Emerging Victorian allrounder Sophie Molineux has been named in the Australian squads for the first time.

NSW duo Nicola Carey and Naomi Stalenberg have been recalled after solid domestic seasons.

However, South Australian all-rounder Tahlia McGrath has been ruled out of the tour because of a back injury.

Spinners Molly Strano and Kristen Beams and pace bowler Sarah Aley were overlooked.

“There’s no doubt this is going to be a really tough tour against an India side which is playing some great cricket and of course the world champions,” Flegler said.

“The ODIs are crucial in terms of World Cup qualification and the tri-series will give us a good indication of where the team is at with the T20 game.

“It’ll be a changing of the guard as such with the retirement of Alex.”

MEANWHILE, rain had interrupted the New Zealand v Australia T20 men’s final when the Addy went to press last night.