Lancashire have signed uncapped Australian batter Maddie Penna to cover for injured Gaby Lewis ahead of their next 2026 One-Day Cup fixture.
Lancashire have signed Australian all-rounder Maddie Penna as a replacement for the injured Gaby Lewis ahead of the 2026 season.
Penna, who has yet to play for Australia internationally, arrives in the UK fresh off strong domestic performances and experience in English county cricket.
She will make her debut for Lancashire in their next One-Day Cup match against Hampshire at their home ground this Saturday.
Penna has already made an impact in England, scoring 313 runs and taking five wickets for Essex in last year’s Vitality Blast.
Her arrival comes at a key moment for Lancashire, who are defending champions in the One-Day Cup.
In a statement, Penna expressed her excitement about joining the squad, praising the team’s talent and her eagerness to contribute immediately.
Lancashire’s director of women’s cricket, David Thorley, highlighted Penna’s credentials, calling her a top-tier cricketer with valuable all-round skills and a competitive spirit.
He pointed to her consistent performances in Australia’s domestic competitions and her strong showing with Essex as proof of her quality.
Thorley added that her addition strengthens the squad ahead of a crucial run of fixtures.
The move follows the injury setback of Gaby Lewis, who scored a century in the season’s opening game but played just one more match before being ruled out.
Lewis had previously hit a century in the One-Day Cup final, making her absence even more significant.
Her injury has forced Lancashire to bring in Penna, whose versatility will be vital in the coming matches.
With Penna now available, Lancashire will look to build momentum in the competition as they prepare for the Vitality Blast.
The defending champions will rely on her all-round ability to fill the gap left by Lewis and maintain their strong position in the tournament.
Fans can expect her to make an immediate impact when she takes the field on Saturday.