Daijiworld Media Network – Sydney

Sydney, Nov 13: Australia’s young batting sensation Phoebe Litchfield has expressed her gratitude after former skipper Meg Lanning endorsed her as a potential future captain of the national side. The 21-year-old opener said she would “grab the opportunity with both hands” if the chance to lead Australia ever came her way.

Lanning, one of Australia’s most successful captains, recently suggested that Litchfield could be the ideal successor to current skipper Alyssa Healy when the veteran wicketkeeper eventually steps down. Her comments came after Australia’s semi-final exit at the ICC Women’s Cricket World Cup, where they lost to eventual champions India.

Reacting to the praise on The ICC Review, Litchfield admitted that Lanning’s words were both flattering and nerve-wracking.

“I look at our group, and we’ve got so many natural leaders — I just learn off them,” Litchfield said. “If the day came, I’d definitely grab it with both hands. But I can assure you that the likes of Ash Gardner, Sophie Molineux, Annabel Sutherland, and Tahlia McGrath are amazing leaders. If I end up getting it one day, it’s because of them.”

Litchfield, who has already captained the Sydney Thunder in the Women’s Big Bash League, has earned praise for her calm presence and tactical acumen on the field.

As Australia regroup after their World Cup disappointment, they now turn their attention to the upcoming multi-format home series against India — featuring three T20Is, three ODIs, and a one-off Test in Perth beginning February 15.

Looking ahead to the high-stakes series, Litchfield said the team is motivated to bounce back.

“That multi-format series will be very heated with the World Cup memories in the back of our minds. We’re eager to get one back on them. The multi-format setup is awesome for women’s cricket — it really shows which team can adapt across all formats,” she added.

Having finished as the fifth-highest run-scorer at the World Cup, Litchfield remains focused on consistency and growth. But with endorsements from legends like Lanning, her journey toward leadership in Australian cricket may have already begun.