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 Smithis 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 usepredictive analyticsmid-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 Crickets 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.