Lanning returns to lead Stars as Sutherland steps down

Meg Lanning will return to the helm at the Melbourne Stars this season, with Annabel Sutherland stepping down after two seasons in the role.

Five-time World Cup winning Australia captain Lanning last led the Stars in 2023 before handing the reins over to Sutherland, and resumes the role as the club continues to hunt for its first title in Weber WBBL|12.

Sutherland, who turned 25 on Monday, led the Stars into the WBBL finals for just the second time last season.

The star allrounder has opted to lighten her responsibilities and place a greater focus on her contributions with bat and ball, as she manages her workload heading into a packed summer of cricket for Australia's international players, which will see them host New Zealand in two series and travel to Sri Lanka, India and South Africa between now and mid-April.

Incoming Stars coach Richard Pyrah, who worked with Sutherland at Sunrisers Leeds during The Hundred in August, hailed the allrounder's maturity.

"It takes a lot of courage and humility for Annabel to recognise that the best thing for the team is for her to focus on her performance and stand aside from the captaincy," Pyrah said in a statement.

"The easy thing would be for her to keep the title and continue on, but this move just speaks volumes of her character.

"We'll no doubt see the best version of Annabel, which we've seen so often on the global stage, for the Stars this season.

"I've been equally as impressed by Meg's attitude in embracing the new opportunity. She has captained this team before, but there is a real emphasis on Meg, Annabel and Kim (Garth) sharing the workload as leaders this season.

"They have made it clear that this isn't one person's team – it takes a collective effort and we've got the right mix of people to lead this new era of the club.

"We want to create the most enjoyable environment possible at the Melbourne Stars. The Big Bash is all about having fun and winning games the right way, and I think we're taking all the right steps to do that this season."

Lanning was at her dominant best as the Stars returned to the top four last season, scoring a league-leading 479 runs.

The 34-year-old has continued to dip her hand into leadership roles since retiring from international cricket, including captaining in the Women's Premier League, and leading the Manchester Super Giants in this year's Hundred.

"It wasn't on my radar to captain again, but I want to do what's best to help the team win," Lanning said.

"We've had discussions as senior players about how we can work together to lead the team rather than it all falling on one person.

"We want to get the best out of each player and we think this is the best way to do that, so I'm happy to take on this role."

Sutherland, who helped Australia claim their seventh T20 World Cup title in England earlier this year, will not hold an official leadership title, but will remain a sounding board for Lanning.

"I've loved captaining the Stars these past two seasons and I'm really keen to continue to be a leader this season and keep developing my skills in that space," Sutherland said. "I really want to contribute to the team's success in the best way I can, and I think by sharing the load with the leadership, I can hopefully make a bigger impact with the bat and ball.

"We know we are in great hands with Meg – she knows the game as well as anyone and has had so much success as a captain."

The Stars have currently signed 12 players ahead of WBBL|12, with three list spots still to be confirmed prior to the club's season opener on October 29.

Melbourne Stars WBBL|12 squad: Sophie Day (W|12), Charlie Dean (England)(W|12), Kim Garth (W|12), Dani Gibson (England)(W|12), Maisy Gibson (W|12), Amy Jones (England)(W|12), Meg Lanning (W|13), Rhys McKenna (W|12), Indigo Noble (W|12), Georgia Prestwidge (W|12), Zoe Samuel (W|12), Annabel Sutherland (W|12)

 

In: Charlie Dean (England), Zoe Samuel

 

Out: Marizanne Kapp (South Africa), Maia Bouchier (Strikers)

 

Uncontracted: Sasha Moloney, Ines McKeon, Sophie Reid