Meg Lanning makes her return to Australia’s T20 team on Tuesday for the start of the nation’s three-match series against Pakistan.
The first ball at North Sydney Oval is at 1.45pm (AEDT).
Lanning hasn’t played for Australia in a T20 since the Commonwealth Games having missed the tour of India last month.
She replaces Alyssa Healy — who is still injured — to take a spot at the top of the Australian order alongside Beth Mooney.
Meanwhile, Australia’s middle order is expected to be filled by Tahlia McGrath, Ellyse Perry, Ashleigh Gardner and Grace Harris.
Watch the Pakistan Women’s tour of Australia. Every T20I & ODI live & ad-break free during play on Kayo. New to Kayo? Start your free trial now >
MATCH CENTRE: Australia vs Pakistan, first T20, live scoreboard
It means a selection squeeze is on the horizon with Healy sure to return to the XI once fit for next month’s World Cup in South Africa.
Her return would likely see Lanning shuffle down the order and place pressure on the names mentioned above.
It means the series against Pakistan takes on added importance for some who are looking to cement their spot for the World Cup.
Australia is once again the overwhelming favourite to win the series over Pakistan, who it hasn’t lost to in 13 T20Is.
Australia is also undefeated in its past 10 bilateral T20I series, with the last loss coming way back in 2017.
The hosts have also never lost at North Sydney Oval where it has nine wins from nine.
Hurricanes v Sixers: Match Highlights | 03:47
TEAMS
Australia XI: Beth Mooney (WK), Meg Lanning (c), Tahlia McGrath, Ashleigh Gardner, Ellyse Perry, Grace Harris, Annabel Sutherland, Jess Jonassen, Alana King, Megan Schutt, Darcie Brown
Pakistan XI: Muneeba Ali (WK), Javeria Khan, Bismah Maroof (c), Sadaf Shamas, Omaima Sohail, Ayesha Nasem, Fatima Sana, Tuba Hassan, Aiman Anwar, Sadia Iqbal, Nida Dar
LIVE BLOG
