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Lanning to break commentary glass ceiling

Australia women's captain Meg Lanning will enter the male-dominated world of Channel Nine commentary this summer

Meg Lanning led Australia to the World T20 title this year  •  Getty Images

Meg Lanning led Australia to the World T20 title this year  •  Getty Images

Australia women's captain Meg Lanning will enter the male-dominated world of Channel Nine commentary this summer. Lanning will take on commentary duties for the men's domestic one-day tournament, the Matador BBQs Cup, next month, and if all goes well she could also be heard commentating on Australia-South Africa internationals in November.
"It's an exciting opportunity to do something a little bit different," Lanning told the Age. "I watch a lot of men's and women's cricket so I feel like I really know the game and I've got a little bit to give there. We understand the game well and we can do a good job so hopefully me getting involved will start something off."
Lanning, 22, became the youngest person to captain Australia in either men's or women's cricket earlier this year, and led the side to the World T20 title in Bangladesh. Steve Crawley, the head of sport at Channel Nine, said Lanning had earned respect for her performances and leadership and was an appropriate fit for the commentary team.
"Everyone asks about adding a female to commentary ... and I've always been very aware that it will eventually happen, don't force it," Crawley said. "It's got to be right, so Meg came along with a wonderful attitude to her cricket, a wonderful reputation and style of play. Immediately you could tell she was special off the field and on the field.
"The Australian team is the best in the world, they've won everyone's respect, and she's got a vibrancy about her, too. The majority of our commentators are like her - they've captained Australia or vice-captained Australia. You'd like to think one day Michael Clarke will be sitting up there, he's got the pedigree for it and so does she."