Lanning stepped away following the Commonwealth Games in August for private causes, lacking the WBBL and the 5 T20Is in India.
Shortly after the squad announcement, Lanning posted on Instagram about her experiences of the final 5 months.
“Sometimes you just have to hit pause, step back and take a breather,” she wrote. “That’s certainly what I needed. The past 6 months have taught me a lot. I’ve learnt so much about myself and who and what is important to me.
“I’ve all the time performed my playing cards fairly shut to my chest. This expertise has given me a higher appreciation of how opening up and speaking to the those that care about you actually could make the powerful occasions really feel simpler. It’s okay to ask for assist and admit that you do not have every little thing beneath management.
“Having enjoyed some time and space, I feel refreshed and ready to play the game that I love in teams that I love. It’s such an exciting time for the game and I can’t wait to be part of it!”
Shawn Flegler, the nationwide selector, stated: “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. 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.
Australia will have a new-look opening pair with Healy and the retired Rachael Haynes absent from the side that played the ODI World Cup final against England in April.
The three ODIs against Pakistan will take place on January 16, 18 and 21 with the first two matches at Allan Border Field in Brisbane and the last at North Sydney Oval. They are followed by three T20Is on January 24, 26 and 29 before the teams head to South Africa for the World Cup.
Australia squad for Pakistan ODIs Meg Lanning (capt), Tahlia McGrath, Darcie Brown, Nicola Carey, Ashleigh Gardner, Kim Garth, Jess Jonassen (topic to health), Alana King, Phoebe Litchfield, Beth Mooney, Ellyse Perry, Megan Schutt, Annabel Sutherland