Lancashire have moved quickly to plug the gap left by Gaby Lewis, bringing in Australian all-rounder Madeline Penna on a short-term deal for the next four Metro Bank One-Day Cup fixtures.
Penna, 25, flew in on Thursday morning and is expected to slot straight into the XI against Hampshire at Old Trafford on Saturday. Although uncapped at international level, she has built a solid reputation at home with the Adelaide Strikers in the WBBL and enjoyed a productive spell with Essex last summer, scoring 313 runs and taking five wickets in the Vitality Blast.
“I’m really excited to be joining Lancashire for the next few matches,” Penna said. “They are the defending champions with a talented squad, and I’m looking forward to getting stuck in, contributing however I can, and hopefully helping the team build some momentum in the competition.”
Director of women’s cricket David Thorley believes her arrival comes at just the right time. “Maddie is a high-quality cricketer who brings excellent experience, proven all-round ability and real competitiveness to our squad. She’s shown her quality in Australia’s domestic competitions and in England with Essex last season, so we’re pleased to welcome her to Lancashire for this important run of One-Day fixtures before the Vitality Blast,” Thorley said.
Lancashire needed cover after Lewis, their Irish top-order batter, returned home with a side strain. The setback was a particular blow given her early-season form: a fluent century in the opener – echoing her match-winning ton in last year’s final – followed by a brisk cameo in the next outing before the injury flared up.
Penna’s inclusion should restore balance to a side keen to defend the title. Her leg-spin offers another bowling option, while her clean hitting could bolster a middle order that has looked light without Lewis. Lancashire currently sit mid-table, but four games in ten days present both a challenge and a chance to climb.
For Penna, the short stint doubles as valuable English-season exposure ahead of a busy winter back home. For Lancashire, it is a calculated, low-risk signing designed to keep them in the hunt until Lewis is fit again.
