Meg Lanning Joins Australia U19 Women’s Setup as Development Coach for Tri-Series
Former Australia captain Meg Lanning is set to return to the national pathway system after Cricket Australia confirmed her appointment as development coach for the upcoming Under-19 women’s tri-series in Queensland. The tournament, featuring Australia, England and Sri Lanka, will take place from March 30 to April 18 across Brisbane and the Gold Coast.
Lanning, who retired from international cricket in 2023 but continues to compete in domestic and franchise leagues, will work with Australia’s next generation as part of the support staff.
Cricket Australia announced that Lanning will collaborate with head coach Kristen Beams and assistant coaches Lisa Keightley and Clive Rose during the tri-series. The role marks Lanning’s second coaching involvement after assisting in last year’s Lanning v Perry developmental series.
Alongside the coaching update, selectors named a 14-player squad composed largely of emerging cricketers who have already debuted in senior domestic competitions. The tri-series is viewed as a preparatory step for the 2027 ICC Under-19 Women’s T20 World Cup, scheduled to be hosted by Bangladesh and Nepal.
Officials highlighted that squad selection focused on players eligible for that tournament, ensuring continuity in Australia’s youth pipeline.
Head coach Kristen Beams described the squad as balanced and competitive, noting that the tri-series will test Australia’s pathway players against strong opposition. She emphasised the importance of providing international exposure early in players’ careers.
Cricket Australia’s Head of National Development Sonya Thompson said the organisation remains committed to strengthening development pathways and creating structured opportunities for young players to grow. Thompson added that the tournament will allow the next wave of Australian talent to demonstrate readiness at the international youth level.
Lanning’s involvement has been widely welcomed within the cricket community, with analysts noting that her leadership experience and tactical knowledge could accelerate player development. Her transition into mentorship roles has been seen as a natural extension of a decorated playing career.
Australia have reached the semi-final stage in both editions of the Women’s Under-19 T20 World Cup but are yet to secure the title. The current pathway strategy, including high-level coaching support and competitive tri-series exposure, is designed to close that gap ahead of the 2027 event.
Lanning’s appointment also reflects a broader trend of recently retired elite players moving into development roles to strengthen talent pipelines. Her presence offers young cricketers access to insights from one of the most successful captains in women’s cricket history.
The tri-series is expected to provide selectors with clarity on player combinations, leadership prospects and skill development priorities as the long-term World Cup cycle begins.
With preparations for the 2027 Under-19 World Cup underway, the tri-series represents a key milestone for Australia’s youth programme. Lanning’s coaching involvement adds experience and continuity, reinforcing Cricket Australia’s emphasis on structured development and sustained success at junior level.
Our Final Thoughts
Meg Lanning’s move into a development coaching role signals an important evolution in Australia’s women’s cricket ecosystem, where elite experience is increasingly channelled into grassroots and youth programmes. Her leadership legacy — defined by tactical clarity, consistency and high standards — could shape how emerging players approach international cricket. The tri-series itself is more than a preparatory tournament; it represents a strategic investment in long-term competitiveness ahead of the 2027 Under-19 World Cup. If the pathway continues to integrate experienced mentors with structured competition, Australia’s youth system may produce a new generation capable of converting semi-final appearances into championship success.