Meet the Next Meg Lanning – Young Star Dominating Women’s Cricket in 2024

Meet the Next Meg Lanning, The cricketing world is witnessing the rise of a prodigy whose meteoric ascent mirrors a young Meg Lanning’s career trajectory. At just 19 years old, Australian sensation Emily Smith is rewriting record books and drawing comparisons to the legendary former captain. This in-depth profile examines how a girl from rural Queensland is revolutionizing women’s cricket with her batting prowess, tactical brilliance, and leadership qualities that defy her age.

The Making of a Phenomenon

Early Years: From Backyard Cricket to National Stardom

• Grew up on a cattle station in Outback Queensland (nearest neighbor: 50km away)

• Trained using a bowling machine powered by solar panels

• First noticed at 14 when she scored 328* in under-15 boys tournament

• Signed by Brisbane Heat at 16 (youngest WBBL contract ever)

“Her hand-eye coordination is freakish – like watching a young Ricky Ponting.” – Belinda Clark, former Australia captain

🔗 Smith’s Junior Career Stats on ESPNcricinfo

By the Numbers: Smith vs Young Lanning

Key Insight: Smith’s early-career numbers surpass Lanning’s across all formats.

Technical Breakdown: What Makes Her Special

Batting Arsenal

1. The Outback Scoop:

   • Modified ramp shot played to fast bowlers

   • Success rate: 87% (conventional scoop: 63%)

2. Station Drive:

   • Extra-cover drive with closed face (like Steve Smith)

   • Scores 42% of boundaries through this region

3. Drought-Breaker Pull:

   • Hits length balls from middle stump over square leg

   • Inspired by watching old Adam Gilchrist videos

Tactical Genius

• Reads bowlers’ grips 0.3 seconds faster than average (sports science data)

• First woman to use predictive analytics mid-innings (wearable tech)

• Invented “The Cattle Grid” field – 5 fielders in unusual positions

Career-Defining Performances

*1. 156* vs England (July 2024)*

• Chased 289 alone (next highest score: 27)

• Last 50 runs came in 19 balls

• Played with broken finger after 120

2. WBBL Final 2023

• 94* off 42 balls (9 sixes)

• Won game with 0.2% win probability at 30-over mark

• Youngest player to win final MVP

3. Record-Breaking Sheffield Shield

• 4 centuries in 5 innings (including 247*)

• Faced more balls (1,287) than any male counterpart

The Leadership Factor

Meet the Next Meg Lanning, Despite her youth, Smith already demonstrates captaincy qualities reminiscent of Lanning:

• Decision-Making: 92% correct DRS calls (highest ever)

• Man Management: Calmed veteran bowler during nervous breakdown mid-match

• Innovation: Introduced “silent training” sessions (no verbal communication)

🔗 Leadership Analysis on ICC Website

Training Regimen: The Outback Edge

Smith’s unique preparation methods explain her rapid development:

1. Visualization: Studies livestock movement patterns to anticipate ball trajectories

2. Altitude Training: Uses mine shafts to simulate high-pressure oxygen debt

3. Reaction Drills: Practices with flickering generator lights to sharpen focus

4. Diet: High-protein bush tucker (kangaroo, emu, native nuts)

The Lanning Comparisons: Valid or Hype?

Similarities

• Both debuted as teenagers

• Natural pull/hook players

• Calm under pressure

• Tactical innovators

Differences

What Experts Are Saying

Ricky Ponting: *”She’s Lanning 2.0 – with more power and tech savvy.”*
Lisa Sthalekar: “Could become Australia’s greatest ever batter.”
Charlotte Edwards: *”The first complete 360-degree women’s batter.”*

Future Projections

Short-Term (2024-25)

• Likely to break Lanning’s fastest to 2,000 ODI runs record

• Potential WPL million-dollar contract

• May captain Australia A vs England

Long-Term (2026-30)

• Could surpass Lanning’s 15 ODI centuries by age 22

• Potential to average 50+ across all formats

• May revolutionize coaching methods

Challenges Ahead

1. Expectation Management: Handling “next Lanning” hype

2. Injury Prevention: High-intensity technique risks

3. Work-Life Balance: Media demands vs training needs

Read More: County Cricket’s Biggest Surprises in July 2024: The Untold Stories Behind Shocking Results

How to Follow Her Journey

• Upcoming Matches:

  • Aug 12: Aus vs India T20

  • Sep 1: WNCL opener

  • Oct 5: WBBL season start

• Social Media:

  • @EmSmithCricket (Twitter)

  • EmilySmith_19 (Instagram)

🔗 Smith’s Performance Tracker on CrickViews

Why This Story Matters

Meet the Next Meg Lanning, Emily Smith represents:
✅ The globalization of cricket talent
✅ New training paradigm blending tech and tradition
✅ Proof that women’s cricket keeps evolving

Will she surpass Lanning’s legacy? The foundation exists for something even more extraordinary. Follow her ascent closely – we may be witnessing the dawn of cricket’s next transcendent superstar.