Meg Lanning retires from international cricket

In a surprising turn of events, Australian captain Meg Lanning has announced her retirement from international cricket at the age of 31. Lanning, who last played for Australia during the T20 World Cup in South Africa in February 2023, had been absent from the team due to an undisclosed medical issue, missing the UK tour and the recent T20 and ODI series against West Indies. Despite her return to WNCL cricket for Victoria and her current role as captain of the Melbourne Stars in the WBBL, Lanning has decided to step away from the international stage. Lanning expressed that the decision was a difficult one but believes now is the right time for her to explore new opportunities. With a 13-year international career under her belt, she leaves behind a legacy of team success, having captained Australia to four T20 World Cup titles, an ODI World Cup title, and a Commonwealth Games title. She played a total of 241 matches for Australia, including six Tests, 103 ODIs, and 132 T20Is.