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Aussie skipper Lanning eyes return

Meg Lanning well down the comeback trail and looking at ahead-of-schedule return for February tour of India

Australia's triumphant women's cricket side are set for another boost with captain Meg Lanning optimistic of being available for February's tour of India following a long-term shoulder injury.

Ranked the world's No.1 batter at the time of her injury, Lanning has been absent since August after an operation to repair an ongoing shoulder problem.

Initially ruled out for eight months, Lanning's rehabilitation has gone so well she is likely to return inside that timeframe for Australia's one-day tour of India in two months.

"It is all coming along really well and the plan is to be fit for that Indian tour," said Lanning.

"I have to build up my strength. To be able to bat without any restrictions is the first (hurdle).

"What will take the longest is diving and fielding and throwing which is probably the last things I have to tick off to be back to 100 per cent.

"Everything (at training) is pretty controlled at the moment so hitting straight and along the ground."

Australia retained the women's Ashes without Lanning, after drawing the multi-format series against England last month.

Lanning was the second-leading run-scorer from either side in the 2015 series between the two nations, and was the only player from either team to score a century.

The 25-year-old was in career-best form at the time of her injury and set a new mark for most career one-day international centuries in April this year.