Injured Lanning out of Women's Super League

Meg Lanning, the Australia Women captain, has withdrawn from the inaugural Women's Super League in England because of a right shoulder injury. Lanning, one of the top draws in the tournament, was part of Surrey Stars led by Natalie Sciver. A replacement will be announced in due course.

"I'm extremely disappointed not to be able to head over to England to play in the Kia Super League," Lanning was quoted as saying by the ECB. "The tournament concept and growth of women's cricket across the globe is fantastic and I would have loved to have taken part."

Kate Mahony, physio of the Australia Women's team said Lanning has been experiencing discomfort on her right shoulder over the past few weeks. "Following scans we have identified a cartilage tear in her right shoulder," she said on Thursday. "As a result, we have made the decision to keep Meg in Brisbane where she will undergo rehabilitation in preparation for the Southern Stars' tour of SriLanka in September and upcoming Australian summer."

Ebony Rainford-Brent, the former England Women international and Surrey Stars General Manager, also expressed disappointment at missing out on the services of Lanning, the No. 1 T20I batsmen.

"Meg is one of the top players in the world - and has been pleasure to work with in the run up to the tournament - so it's really disappointing that she isn't going be able to join us this year. We hope to see her in the colours of the Surrey Stars in the future and everyone at Surrey wishes her a speedy recovery."

The tournament opens with a clash between Yorkshire Diamonds and Loughborough Lightning in Headingley on July 30 followed by Surrey's opener against Southern Vipers at the Ageas Bowl. The six teams will take part in a round-robin format over 16 days, with the finals day slated for 21 August in Chelmsford.