Australia has taken a big step toward preparing for the 2027 ICC U19 Women’s T20 World Cup by bringing former captain Meg Lanning into its coaching staff. Lanning, a seven-time World Cup champion, will now serve as an assistant coach and mentor for a 26-player squad aiming for future international glory.
According to the ICC, Lanning will play a key role in a training camp set to take place later this April at the National Cricket Campus in Brisbane. This marks a new chapter for Australian women’s cricket as they invest in developing the next generation of elite players.
Lanning’s Leadership to Shape Rising Stars
Meg Lanning is no stranger to success. She led Australia to multiple World Cup wins and is known for her calm leadership and strategic cricketing mind. Now, she will pass that knowledge to the young talents preparing for the 2027 U19 Women’s T20 World Cup.
The players will take part in the Lanning v Perry series, named after two Australian cricket legends—Lanning and Ellyse Perry. Though the teams carry their names, Lanning will work across both sides, helping every player improve.
This approach highlights Cricket Australia’s focus on teamwork and shared learning over competition alone.
Training Camp to Focus on Skill and Connection
The upcoming week-long camp will feature three T20 matches and multiple sessions to build both technical skill and team chemistry. The camp is part of the Youth Selection Program (YSP), with support from State and Territory Associations. Players were selected through a nomination process.
Sonya Thompson, Head of National Development at Cricket Australia, said this is a rare chance for young players to learn from one of the best in the sport.
“It is an incredible opportunity for our best-emerging cricketers to spend a week learning and absorbing knowledge from one of Australia’s most decorated cricketers,” Thompson told the ICC.
She added that this is an exciting phase as the team starts its journey towards the 2027 tournament.
A History of Strong Performances
Australia reached the semi-finals in both the 2023 and 2025 editions of the U19 Women’s T20 World Cup. With strong systems in place and experienced coaches like Lanning, Cricket Australia hopes to go all the way in 2027.
The addition of a legend like Lanning could be the key to unlocking the team’s full potential.
Full Squad for the 2025 U19 Women’s T20 Camp
Here are the 26 players selected for the national training camp:
Ira Aery, Mia Barwick, Molly Dare, Alyssa Dermody, Ava Drury, Lucy Fletcher, Lili Hamilton, Arabella Handley, Alison Healey, Ivy Hobbs, Emily Jacobs, Jasmine Kamboj, Emma Krynauw, Aurora Mavros, Charli McLennan, Ilona Melegh, Indigo Noble, Indira Panelli, Sophie Parsons, Emily Powell, Kaya Punter, Noura Abdul Qader, Chelsea Sonter, Ayaka Stafford, Tegan Williamson, Ajay Willoughby.
These young players represent the future of Australian women’s cricket. Many have already made a name for themselves in state leagues and local tournaments.
Cricket Australia’s Investment in Youth
The decision to bring in Meg Lanning is part of a larger effort by Cricket Australia to boost the women’s game. They are focusing on early talent identification, better coaching resources, and more high-performance opportunities.
The organization has also increased funding for women’s cricket, helping create pathways from grassroots to the international level.
Australia’s performance in recent U19 tournaments shows there is a solid foundation. But with better support and guidance, especially from legends like Lanning, they aim to convert potential into podium finishes.
What’s Next?
After the April training camp, players will return to their state teams but continue to receive mentorship and performance tracking. The next round of camps and matches will be scheduled later in 2025 and early 2026.
As the countdown to the 2027 U19 Women’s T20 World Cup begins, all eyes will be on how this young squad develops under Lanning’s guidance.
