Archive · 7 Nov 2025
Meg Lanning backs Phoebe Litchfield for next Aussie captain role
A famous former Australian cricket captain, Meg Lanning, thinks a younger player named Phoebe Litchfield would be a great choice to become the next team captain.
The current captain, Alyssa Healy, is getting older, and it's time to think about who will lead next.
Lanning likes Phoebe because she seems calm, plays well, and has already been a captain for another team.
There are other good players who could also be captain, like Tahlia McGrath and Ash Gardner, but Lanning really supports Phoebe.
She thinks it's good that there are many potential leaders, and whoever takes over will bring their own style, which will be exciting for the team.
Lanning also mentioned that the team is disappointed about losing in the World Cup semi-finals but will learn from it.
Meg Lanning backs Phoebe Litchfield to be the next ODI captain of the Australian women's cricket team, succeeding Alyssa Healy.
Litchfield is considered a strong contender, though other candidates like Tahlia McGrath, Ash Gardner, and Annabel Sutherland are also in the running.
Lanning cites Litchfield's level head, good temperament, and ability to settle into the team as key leadership qualities.
Phoebe Litchfield has prior captaincy experience leading the Sydney Thunder in the WBBL.
Lanning also commented on the team's disappointment following their World Cup semi-final exit, noting it's a time for reflection.
- Who
- Meg Lanning, Phoebe Litchfield, Alyssa Healy, Tahlia McGrath, Ashleigh Gardner, Annabel Sutherland
- What
- Former Australian captain Meg Lanning has endorsed young player Phoebe Litchfield as a potential successor to Alyssa Healy as the ODI captain of the Australian women's cricket team.
- When
- Following Australia's exit from the World Cup and as Alyssa Healy nears the end of her career.
- Where
- The context is the Australian women's cricket team.
- Why
- Lanning believes Litchfield possesses a 'level head,' has 'settled herself nicely into the team,' and has a 'really good temperament,' indicating strong leadership potential.
Meg Lanning's View
Other Contenders
Captaincy Succession
Meg Lanning's View
Meg Lanning believes Phoebe Litchfield has a level head, has settled well into the team, and possesses a good temperament, making her a strong candidate to succeed Alyssa Healy as ODI captain. Litchfield has prior captaincy experience with the Sydney Thunder.
Other Contenders
While Litchfield is a leading contender, other strong candidates with impressive leadership credentials include current vice-captain Tahlia McGrath, world No.1 all-rounder Ash Gardner, and fast-rising talent Annabel Sutherland.
- Lanning's Recommendation
- Phoebe Litchfield
- Current Captain
- Alyssa Healy
- Healy's Retirement
- Nearing end of career
- Litchfield's Experience
- Captain of Sydney Thunder
- Other Candidates Mentioned
- Tahlia McGrath, Ash Gardner, Annabel Sutherland
Sources
Australia captain Alyssa Healy looks back on India defeat that ended her team’s Women’s World Cup title defence: ‘Thought our total was under-par…’
Why Australia's Captain Still Bitter About Loss to India
'Two Dropped Catches...': Alyssa Healy Recalls The 'Haunting' Semifinal Night vs India
Lanning picks Litchfield as Healy's successor to lead Australia in ODIs
Aussie skipper Alyssa Healy concedes semis loss against India will 'haunt me for a little while'
SubcriberWrites: Who knew vulnerability could be so empowering. Women did. We knew.
Lanning backs Litchfield to succeed Healy as Australia’s next women’s team captain
