Young Australian batter Phoebe Litchfield has reacted to former captain Meg Lanning’s recent praise, saying she would be honoured to lead her country one day.
Speaking on The ICC Review, Lanning had named Litchfield as her choice to replace Alyssa Healy as Australia’s next captain after Healy steps down. She made the remark after India defeated Australia in the ICC Women’s Cricket World Cup 2025 semi-final.
Litchfield, who currently captains Sydney Thunder in theongoing WBBL, admitted that Lanning’s words made her nervous but grateful. “I look at our group, and we’ve got so many natural leaders, I just learn off them,” Litchfield said. “And if the day came, I’d definitely grab it with both hands.”
The 21-year-old credited her teammates for shaping her as a player and a leader. “But I can assure you that, the likes of Ash Gardner, Sophie Molineux, Annabel Sutherland, Tahlia McGrath, we’ve got just an amazing group of beautiful leaders, and I just look up to them. So if I end up getting it (one day), it’s because of them,” she added.
Lanning also said it’s too early for major leadership changes after the World Cup exit. Meanwhile, Litchfield is focused on her next challenge — Australia’s home series against India, starting February 15.
Reflecting on that upcoming clash, Litchfield said: “I think that multi-format series will be very heated with the memories of the World Cup in the back of our minds. We’re eager to get one back on them, and we’ve had some really good form in all formats. The multi-format series are awesome for women’s cricket, and it’s a really cool way to see who’s the best nation.”
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