Former Australia captain Meg Lanning is taking an indefinite break from the WBBL, just two weeks after retiring from international cricket. Lanning missed Melbourne Stars’ recent win over Brisbane Heat due to personal reasons. With only two games left and the Stars unlikely to make the finals, Lanning’s future in the sport is uncertain.

Stars coach Jonathan Batty explained, “She’s taking a few days for some personal reasons. We’re reassured she’s okay, but we’re giving her the time and space she needs. We’re taking it game by game, and she’s definitely out for the next couple.”

Young allrounder Annabel Sutherland led the Stars in Lanning’s absence as the Heat suffered a second consecutive loss. Opener Maia Bouchier top-scored for Stars with 41, while Sophie Day’s standout performance with the ball earned her the Player of the Match title.

Despite a promising start by Heat’s opener Georgia Redmayne, Day and Sutherland’s efforts secured the win for the Stars. The defeat is a setback for Heat’s chances of hosting the final as the top team in the regular seaso