CricketAustralia – Meg Lanning Joins U19 Women’s Tri-Series Staff

CricketAustralia –  Former national captain Meg Lanning will return to the Australian set-up next month, taking up a position with the support staff for the Under-19 women’s tri-series in Queensland, Cricket Australia confirmed on Friday.

Lanning, who stepped away from international cricket in 2023 but remains active in domestic and franchise competitions, has been appointed as a development coach for the series. The tournament, featuring Australia, England and Sri Lanka, will run from March 30 to April 18 across Brisbane and the Gold Coast.

Lanning Returns in Mentoring Role

The appointment represents another step in Lanning’s gradual transition into coaching. She previously assisted during last year’s Lanning v Perry Series, gaining early experience in a mentoring capacity.

For the upcoming tri-series, Lanning will work alongside head coach Kristen Beams, supported by assistant coaches Lisa Keightley and Clive Rose. Her presence is expected to provide valuable guidance to a young squad preparing for major international assignments in the coming years.

Cricket Australia views the series as an important platform for nurturing emerging talent within its structured development system.

Squad Announced for Queensland Series

Alongside the coaching announcement, a 14-player Australian squad has been named for the tri-series. Several members of the group have already featured at senior domestic level, underlining the depth of talent progressing through the national pathway.

The selected players remain eligible for the next ICC Under 19 Women’s T20 World Cup, scheduled to be staged in Bangladesh and Nepal in 2027. Officials have indicated that squad balance and long-term planning were key considerations in the selection process.

Head coach Kristen Beams said the Youth Selection Panel had identified a well-rounded group after strong performances throughout the summer season. She described the tri-series as an opportunity for the players to test themselves against quality opposition from England and Sri Lanka.

Building Toward the 2027 World Cup

Australia’s Under-19 side has reached the semi-finals in the first two editions of the Women’s U19 T20 World Cup but is yet to lift the trophy. Preparations for the 2027 campaign are already underway, with this tri-series forming part of a broader strategy aimed at strengthening match exposure and competitive readiness.

Sonya Thompson, Cricket Australia’s Head of National Development, emphasised the organisation’s ongoing investment in youth programs. She said the governing body remains focused on creating clear pathways that allow young cricketers to transition smoothly from junior competitions to higher levels of the game.

According to Thompson, tournaments such as the Queensland tri-series play a vital role in shaping the next generation of national representatives by providing high-quality international experience at an early stage.

Australia U19 Squad

The 14-player squad for the tri-series includes: Ira Aery, Eva Baird, Mia Barwick, Alyssa Dermody, Ava Drury, Ayla Johnson, Shiloh Julien, Aurora Mavros, Indira Panelli, Emily Powell, Chelsea Sonter, Ayaka Stafford, Filippa Suesee and Tegan Williamson.

Matches will be staged in Brisbane and on the Gold Coast, offering competitive conditions as Australia’s emerging players continue their development journey.

With experienced figures such as Lanning involved behind the scenes and a promising group of young cricketers selected, the tri-series is expected to serve as a significant checkpoint in Australia’s preparations for future global tournaments.