Meg Lanning: Embracing Retirement and Future Prospects
Former Australian cricket captain, Meg Lanning, is gradually adapting to her retirement from international cricket, while contemplating her future in the sport.
Lanning’s unexpected retirement from international cricket last year took many by surprise. The 31-year-old has since made brief appearances in domestic cricket in Australia and India, as she transitions into the next phase of her life.
Her illustrious career as Australia’s skipper includes more ICC World Cup victories than any other captain in cricket history.
Lanning is currently in India, captaining the Delhi Capitals in the ongoing Women’s Premier League (WPL). The Australian legend has been in exceptional form, leading the batting order for her team.
With two half-centuries from four innings for the Capitals, Lanning’s stylish knock of 55 against the Gujarat Giants on Sunday took her tournament tally to 146 runs, boasting an impressive strike rate of 117.46.
Her outstanding form has propelled the Capitals to the top of the WPL table with three wins from four matches. Lanning is relishing her role in the team, alongside former Australian teammates Annabel Sutherland and Jess Jonassen.
“I am just enjoying playing cricket,” Lanning said. “I am having a great time with Delhi, we have a really good squad of players and staff that make it a cool environment to be in. I feel like there’s a little less pressure and expectation. I just come into the game wanting to contribute and help the team win.”
“So it’s been nice to be able to do that. I feel like there’s a little bit of improvement needed in how we are playing, I am not completely satisfied, but it’s been nice to contribute. As I said, I am just trying to have some fun and enjoy myself.”
Australian captain Meg Lanning and her team celebrated in style as they lifted the trophy at Newlands in Cape Town after beating South Africa in the final of the ICC Women’s T20 World Cup.
Lanning, who won an impressive five ICC Women’s T20 World Cup titles throughout her glittering career, won’t be part of Australia’s side when the reigning champions aim for a fourth consecutive tournament victory at this year’s event in Bangladesh in September and October. She said she won’t be rushed into making a decision on what her future holds.
“I actually haven’t had a lot of time to do that (explore new things) yet,” she said. “Obviously, (I have been) playing domestic back in Australia and then the WPL here. Once the tournament finishes, there will be a big chunk of time. It will probably hit me harder and you know, sort of come to terms with it a little bit more.”
“(I am) sort of exploring a few different options in the background. The good thing for me is I don’t have to rush into anything. I can keep playing and keep being involved. When an opportunity pops up, I can take it. Will just see how the back end of the tournament pans out, and then I will see what happens after that.”