Meg Lanning Returns as Captain of Melbourne Stars in WBBL 12

New Delhi, October 26 (Daily Kiran) : Former Australian captain Meg Lanning is set to lead the Melbourne Stars in the upcoming Women’s Big Bash League (WBBL) 12. This decision follows Annabel Sutherland’s two-year tenure as captain, during which she stepped down to focus on her role as an international all-rounder. Lanning, who last captained the franchise in 2023, will now collaborate with a new coaching staff to elevate the team’s performance. Sutherland will continue to play a significant role within the leadership group.

In an interview with cricket.com.au, Lanning expressed her initial reluctance to return to captaincy after stepping down a few years ago. However, discussions about maximizing each player’s potential led to the decision for her to take on the captaincy once again. “I’m happy to do whatever it takes to help the team win and showcase our best performance,” Lanning stated.

Lanning emphasized Sutherland’s ongoing importance in the leadership group, hoping this change would allow her to play with more freedom. As a five-time World Cup winner, Lanning will work closely with new coach Richard Pyrah, who has joined the Stars for the next two seasons after his stint with Yorkshire. Lanning believes Pyrah’s arrival has provided the team with clear direction.

“He joined just before the Spring Challenge, and we had some phone conversations beforehand. It was helpful to be with him during the challenge, allowing the coaching staff and players to understand each other better. We learned how he operates and what he expects from us,” Lanning explained. “We felt we improved throughout the tournament, and clear roles emerged. His work has been fantastic, giving us a clear direction on how we want to play.”

The Melbourne Stars are keen to build on the promising performance of young all-rounder Rhi McKenna, who scored a half-century in the T20 Spring Challenge. Lanning noted, “We are likely moving in that direction. Rhi showed great signs last year; she’s a young player with excellent skills and talent.”

Lanning highlighted the importance of players feeling confident to play their natural game. “We want to maximize every player’s capabilities. We have Annabel and Danny Gibson in the middle order, along with Amy Jones,” she added.

Despite the absence of star fast bowler Marizanne Kapp, the Stars remain confident in their pace attack’s ability to provide necessary variety throughout the innings. Australian international Kim Garth and Sutherland are expected to shoulder significant responsibilities. Lanning remarked, “We have a lot of diversity in our team. Kim can bowl with the new ball and is nearly impossible to play on her good days. Having her and Annabel in the team is a huge advantage.”

With the addition of England’s Charlie Dean, the Stars’ spin department is set to become even stronger, complementing existing players Sophie Day and Maddy Gibson. Lanning believes Dean’s experience and composure will be invaluable in the shortest format of the game.

“Charlie brings a lot to various aspects of the game—she has significant experience and has captained England. Her calmness under pressure is especially beneficial in T20 cricket. She can bowl in tough overs, and we need players who can adapt to different situations,” Lanning concluded, highlighting Dean’s contributions both with the bat and in the field.