Australia captain Meg Lanning has been ruled out of England's Ashes women's cricket series for medical reasons. Cricket Australia issued a statement on Saturday saying Lanning had been withdrawn from the squad following medical advice as an issue required treatment from home.

The Australian women's team have suffered a major setback ahead of the Ashes as Australian skipper Meg Lanning was ruled out of the tour on Saturday morning. According to Cricket Australia, Lanning was withdrawn from the squad due to a "medical issue". Medical staff working with the Australian team have advised her to stay home as part of her treatment. The time frame of her return is still unknown at this time.

A timeline for Lanning's return to the game will become clearer in due course. Shawn Flegler, CA's Head of Performance (women's cricket) said:

"It's an unfortunate setback for Meg and she's clearly disappointed to have been left out of the Ashes. It's a significant series for the team and she will be missed, but she understands her health must come first."

"Meg will stay at home and continue to work with the medical staff with the aim of getting back playing as soon as possible."

Flegler and Cricket Australia have requested that Lanning's privacy be respected at this time. "We ask that Meg's privacy be respected at this time," Flegler concluded.

Alyssa Healy will captain the Ashes Series women's team and will be represented by Tahlia McGrath as vice-captain.
Lanning will not be replaced in the squad as players will be brought in from the A squad if necessary.

The Women's Ashes will begin with a one-off test in Nottingham from June 22, then progress to white-ball duels as part of the multi-format series featuring three T20Is and three ODIs.

Australia squad

Alyssa Healy (c), Tahlia McGrath (vc), Darcie Brown, Ashleigh Gardner, Kim Garth, Grace Harris, Jess Jonassen, Alana King, Phoebe Litchfield, Beth Mooney, Ellyse Perry, Megan Schutt, Annabel Sutherland, Georgia Wareham.