Lanning vs. Perry Series 2025: Cricket Australia Names U19 Women’s Squad

Australia Names 26-Player Squad for 2025 Lanning vs. Perry Series Ahead of U19 World Cup Build-Up

Cricket Australia has officially announced a 26-player squad for the 2025 Lanning vs. Perry Series, a marquee developmental event aimed at grooming the next generation of Australian women’s cricketers. Taking place at Brisbane’s National Cricket Campus (NCC) from April 25 to 27, the three-match T20 series serves as the foundational phase in Australia’s build-up to the 2027 ICC U19 Women’s T20 World Cup. It also continues to strengthen the nation’s acclaimed female cricketing pathway, which has been the envy of global cricket systems for over a decade.

This annual internal series features Australia’s most promising underage talent in a high-performance environment, allowing them to test themselves under national-level scrutiny. What sets this edition apart is the appointment of Australian cricket legend Meg Lanning as an assistant coach. Her involvement is expected to have an immeasurable impact on player learning, leadership development, and on-field performance.

Lanning vs. Perry Series: Building Blocks for the 2027 U19 World Cup

With the 2025 edition now on the horizon, the Lanning vs. Perry Series reaffirms its role as a springboard for the country’s elite underage talent. Cricket Australia’s Youth Selection Panel (YSP) has curated a squad based on a nomination process in conjunction with state and territory pathway managers. The players, aged between 16 and 18, represent the very best of the domestic circuits and include emerging stars from Victoria, Western Australia, South Australia, Queensland, Tasmania, and New South Wales.

The three-match T20 series is not just about wins and stats it’s about game awareness, team dynamics, and handling pressure, traits vital for international success. According to Sonya Thompson, Cricket Australia’s Head of National Development, this event is now “an integral part of an extensive player pathway for the best young female cricketers across Australia.”

Meg Lanning’s New Chapter: A Mentor in the Making

For the first time since stepping away from international cricket, Meg Lanning will formally join a national development program in a coaching capacity. The former captain, who led Australia through an era of dominance that included seven World Cup titles, joins the series as an assistant coach for the Lanning Squad. Importantly, Lanning will work with both squads across the series, providing insight, mentorship, and inspiration to players who have grown up idolising her.

In many ways, this move represents a new chapter for Lanning an evolution from a record-breaking batter and leader into a potential future coaching powerhouse. Her presence alone lends credibility and gravity to the entire event, and for the players involved, it’s the rare chance to learn from one of the most successful female cricketers of all time.

Spotlight on Talent: A Glimpse at the Next Generation

The selected 2025 U19 Lanning vs. Perry squad includes a blend of explosive batters, crafty bowlers, and versatile all-rounders. Players like Ira Aery, Mia Barwick, and Jasmine Kamboj have already made waves in the Evoke Super Series, Australia’s elite domestic youth competition. Meanwhile, newcomers like Kia McCartney who debuted in senior domestic matches earlier this year signal that the pipeline of talent remains rich and deep.

With Australia’s track record in developing world-class players, the Lanning vs. Perry Series offers an unmissable glimpse into the future of the national team. Each of these athletes will be closely monitored, not just by selectors, but also by coaches and analysts across the country who track long-term performance metrics as part of Australia’s integrated high-performance strategy.

High Performance Meets Holistic Development

More than just another trial series, this event includes a parallel focus on holistic player development. Over the course of the week, players will engage in educational and developmental sessions run by Cricket Australia’s High Performance staff. These sessions are designed to help players navigate the off-field challenges of elite sport media handling, nutrition, fitness planning, mental health, and values-based leadership.

This dual emphasis on cricketing skill and character building is critical, especially in an era where the pressures on young professional athletes have grown exponentially. According to Thompson, the goal is to familiarise young players with the expectations and processes that come with being part of the Australian national setup. “It’s not just about performance, but also about learning how to carry yourself off the field,” she said.

The Series Fixtures: A Three-Day Showcase

The T20 series will be staged over three days at Norths Cricket Club in Brisbane, offering players multiple opportunities to adjust strategies, reflect on performance, and show resilience.

• April 25: First T20 match

• April 26: Second T20 match

• April 27: Third T20 match

These fixtures simulate what international tournaments often look like short turnarounds, intense match pressure, and the need to recover quickly while maintaining tactical discipline. The format is intentional, providing selectors with data and behavioural insights into how players might cope on the world stage.

Why This Matters: The Long View of Women’s Cricket in Australia

The significance of this initiative lies not only in its immediate impact but in its long-term vision. With the 2027 ICC U19 Women’s T20 World Cup still two years away, this series is the first of many filters that will refine and define the future Australian squad. It also plays a pivotal role in supporting Cricket Australia’s broader strategy to elevate the women’s game both in terms of on-field success and gender equality in cricketing opportunities.

Moreover, by placing role models like Lanning in the coaching ranks, Cricket Australia is also investing in the next generation of female leaders in the sport. The hope is not just to produce great cricketers, but also great humans who can lead, inspire, and grow the game in new directions.