Meg Lanning steps down as Victoria captain, Sophie Molineux takes over

Lanning took on the state captaincy in 2014 as a 22-year-old but Australia commitments have limited the number of appearances she has been able to make in the WNCL.

Although there is a window at the start of the upcoming season with Australia not playing internationals in late September, as they have in recent summers, further international duty will limit Lanning’s matches.

“It’s been a huge honour to captain Victoria and I love representing my state,” Lanning said. The Victorian squad has some fantastic young leaders and I’m excited to continue working with them in the seasons ahead.”

Molineux, who also captains Melbourne Renegades in the WBBL, is currently outside of the national team having had her 2021-22 season cut short by injury then losing her central contract earlier this year.

“Coming from country Victoria it’s a privilege to be named captain of the state,” she said. “I’ve really enjoyed the challenge of captaining the Renegades and am looking forward to the years ahead with Victoria.

“Playing with and learning from Meg since I started at Victoria has been a great experience, she has an incredible understanding of the game, hopefully I’m able to take some of that into my own game.”

Cricket Victoria’s head of female cricket Sharelle McMahon said Lanning endorsed Molineux as the outstanding candidate.

“We’re fortunate to have Meg’s leadership skills to support Sophie and the full squad in years to come,” she said. “Sophie has done a fantastic job leading the Renegades and has long been seen as a leader within Victorian cricket. This is an excellent opportunity to further her leadership skills with our playing group.

“Nicole Faltum did a great job stepping into the role last season and will continue to play an important role supporting Sophie.”

The expanded WNCL, which will now feature teams playing each other twice, begins in September 23.

Source: ESPN Crickinfo