Scorchers name skipper, major signing

Opening batter Nicole Bolton has been named the inaugural captain of Perth Scorchers, while the Women’s Big Bash League club has also secured the prized signature of New Zealand skipper Suzie Bates.

Talented allrounder Bates is one of a string of new additions unveiled by the Scorchers, who also confirmed the signings of former England fast bowler Nicky Shaw and Shooting Stars Megan Banting, Piepa Cleary, Heather Graham and Chloe Piparo.

They will be joined by Perth locals Emma Biss and Emma King, and Alcohol. Think Again Western Fury wicketkeeper Jenny Wallace.

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Bolton, 26, originally hails from Perth, having moved home after one year in Victoria.

Perth Scorchers head coach Mark Atkinson said the Commonwealth Bank Southern Stars opener was the ideal candidate for the role, having previously captained the Fury for two seasons before her move east.

“We’re really pleased to have Nicole Bolton as captain as a local Western Australian player,” Atkinson said.

“She’s an outstanding cricketer and an outstanding individual. I can’t think of anyone better to lead a new era for the Perth Scorchers.

“She is someone who I see as a long-term leader for female cricket in Western Australia.”

Bolton said leading her hometown club in its inaugural WBBL season would be extremely exciting.

“It’s pretty incredible,” Bolton said.

“I’m delighted to come back home to Perth in a squad with a lot of home grown talent.

“There’s been a lot of speculation about the WBBL, but now the squads are being announced, it hits home that it’s actually happening and there’s a lot of excitement about it now.”

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Bates is a key player for the Fury in the WNCL // Getty Images

The addition of big-hitting Bates is a major coup for the Scorchers, with the 27-year-old possessing a strong all-round game thanks to her right-arm medium pace.

“Suzie is one of the world’s leading cricketers, so she really strengthens our squad,” Atkinson said.

“We’re delighted to have her. We think what she can bring as a player, with her experience, can complement our local talent, which is really important."

Bates joins England’s Charlotte Edwards and Katherine Brunt as the Scorchers’ imports, with Brunt and Bates to split duties as the side’s second international player dependent on availability.

The Scorchers now have one spot remaining in their 14-member squad.

Perth Scorchers squad: Nicole Bolton (c), Megan Banting, Suzie Bates (NZ), Emma Biss, Katherine Brunt (Eng), Jess Cameron, Piepa Cleary, Charlotte Edwards (Eng), Heather Graham, Emma King, Chloe Piparo, Nicky Shaw, Elyse Villani, Jenny Wallace