Skipper returns for Australia's home summer and beyond
Lanning returns after five months away from the game to lead Australia for the three-match ODI series between 16 to 21 January, the team's first 50-over assignment after their successful Women's Cricket World Cup campaign in New Zealand in April.
National selector Shawn Flegler welcomed Lanning back into the fold, outlining her crucial role for the series and beyond, as the Aussies aim to defend their T20 World Cup title in South Africa early next year.
“The squad is very similar to the one that travelled to India recently, with the addition of Meg who returns from an extended break," Flegler said.
"Meg brings so much to the side both on and off the field, and it’s pleasing to welcome her back at such an important time with the T20 World Cup just over a month away."
Not taking part in the Pakistan series is wicket-keeper and caretaker skipper Alyssa Healy, who injured her calf in the recent T20I series win in India. Beth Mooney will take the gloves with marked experience in the domestic game, while Jess Jonassen is named in the squad despite nursing an injury of her own.
“While we welcome Meg back, Alyssa won’t have recovered from her calf injury in time, so that presents an opportunity for Beth to take the gloves in her absence," Flegler confirmed.
“Jess Jonassen will need to prove her fitness after suffering a hamstring injury in India, but we’re hopeful she’ll be fit in time for the series.”
Kim Garth earns a call-up for her first ODI tour with Australia, while young gun Phoebe Litchfield retains her place as the earmarked successor to opener Rachael Haynes who retired earlier in the year.
Heather Graham, Amanda-Jade Wellington and Grace Harris have been omitted from the last Australian squad, though Flegler has all three on his radar for an action-packed 2023.
"They all remain in contention for selection for the T20 leg of the tour and T20 World Cup," Flegler said.
"The Indian series allowed us to blood some new talent and it’s pleasing to be able to retain Kim and Phoebe for this series."
The three ODIs with Pakistan are part of the ICC Women's Championship and will be LIVE on ICC.tv (in select regions).
**Australia ODI squad:**Meg Lanning (c), Tahlia McGrath (vc), Darcie Brown, Nicola Carey, Ashleigh Gardner, Kim Garth, Jess Jonassen, Alana King, Phoebe Litchfield, Beth Mooney, Ellyse Perry, Megan Schutt, Annabel Sutherland
Pakistan ODI squad: Bismah Maroof (c), Aliya Riaz, Ayesha Naseem, Diana Baig, Fatima Sana, Ghulam Fatima, Kainat Imtiaz, Muneeba Ali, Nashra Sandhu, Nida Dar, Omaima Sohail, Sadaf Shamas, Sadia Iqbal, Sidra Amin, Sidra Nawaz
January 16: Allan Border Field, Brisbane 10:05am
January 18: Allan Border Field, Brisbane 10:05am
January 21: North Sydney Oval, 11:05am