Lancs sign ex-Australia star Lanning for T20 Blast

Lancashire have signed former Australia captain Meg Lanning for this year's T20 Blast.

Lanning made 241 appearances for her country across the three formats in a 12-year career, scoring 17 centuries.

The 33-year-old also captained Australia from 2014 until retiring from international cricket in 2023.

Since then she has been a regular in franchise cricket, but playing for Lancashire will be her first experience of the county game.

"I'm really excited to be joining Lancashire Thunder for the 2026 T20 Blast," she told the club's website.

"The women's game in England is moving quickly, and Lancashire is clearly committed to being at the forefront of that growth."

Meg Lanning won the World Cup with Australia in 2013 and 2022

Lanning enjoyed a glittering international career with Australia after making her debut aged 18, and scored a century in only her second game against England.

She was made captain at 21 and would be part of a hugely successful side, winning two World Cups, five World T20s and a Commonwealth Games gold medal.

The batter has been a regular in the Women's Big Bash League (WBBL) down under for Melbourne Stars, and at the forefront of the Women's Premier League (WPL) in India.

Lanning was the leading run-scorer for Delhi Capitals during the inaugural 2023 season and led them to the final the following two years before switching to UP Warriorz for the current edition.

She appeared in The Hundred for London Spirit and Oval Invincibles, and will now play for Lancashire in a competition beginning late May.

"This is a hugely significant signing for Lancashire Thunder, and for the county game as a whole," said Lancashire director of women's cricket David Thorley.

"Meg is not only one of the finest batters of her generation, but one of the most influential leaders the women's game has ever seen.

"Her record as Australia captain speaks for itself, and her presence will have an immediate and lasting impact on our squad and the club."