Haynes ready to lead from front in Ashes

THE absence of injured world No.1 batter Meg Lanning has left a “void” in the Australian women’s cricket team, coach Matthew Mott says.

But the Southern Stars mentor has backed replacement skipper Rachael Haynes to help fill it before their Ashes title defence.

Australia appeared vulnerable before the month-long Ashes series featuring a daynight Test against the World Cup winner after skipper Lanning was ruled out due to shoulder surgery.

Her eight-month injury layoff was another blow for Australia, which was reeling from a shock World Cup semi-final loss to India.

But Mott was confident NSW batter Haynes, 30, would step up when she officially took over the reins in the series opener — Sunday’s first ODI in Brisbane.

“If you take the best player out of any team it will leave a void,” he said. “It’s unfortunate for Meg, but Haynes is a world-class player in her own right. I think we are pretty well covered.”

Haynes took over as captain for two games at July’s World Cup in England as Lanning was nursed through the tournament because of the right shoulder injury. Lanning still thrashed 328 runs at 82 for the tournament, but was bowled for a duck in Australia’s shock semi-final loss to India.

She will also miss the WBBL but is expected to contest next year’s Women’s T20 World Cup in the West Indies.

Six-time winner Australia received a reality check thanks to the World Cup semi-final boilover inspired by India batter Harmanpreet Kaur’s unbeaten 171.

But Mott was convinced the Ashes series would showcase the world’s best two teams.

“We learned some lessons from the World Cup, making sure our individual preparation is right and making sure we have contingency plans in place if things don’t go to plan,” he said. “I believe these are the two best sides in the world right now.”