Taylor move headlines host of WBBL international signings

The Adelaide Strikers have lured West Indies captain Stafanie Taylor across from the Sydney Thunder for the upcoming season of the Rebel WBBL.

Taylor, a powerhouse of international T20 cricket, will share the third and final international spot on the Strikers’ roster with England batter Lauren Winfield, who is set for her first season in blue after stints with the Brisbane Heat and Hobart Hurricanes.

Taylor will be available for the first two and final two matches of the season, plus the finals series in early December should the Strikers make a run at the title.

“I’m very much excited about WBBL (this year), especially in a new environment,” Taylor said.

“I don’t know much about the team, but I am mostly looking forward to playing alongside Suzie (Bates) and Sophie (Devine). And my favourite colour is blue!”

Taylor joins the Strikers after spending the first four editions of the WBBL with the Sydney Thunder, notching up 58 games in lime green and contributing to the club’s WBBL|01 triumph.

Currently the No.3 ranked allrounder on the ICC T20I Player Rankings, Taylor is the second highest T20I run scorer in history with 2900 runs from 111 matches for the Windies.

Winfield, an experienced campaigner for England, will be a valuable replacement for the Strikers in the middle chunk of the season.

A member of the recent Ashes squad, Winfield put in an admirable performance for her country, scoring the most runs for England in the T20 component of the multi-format series.

Image Id: 4F6A26C1069D4348B877174B7B52C7E4 Image Caption: Lauren Winfield in action during Australia's recent Ashes series victory in the UK // Getty Sport

That said, Winfield is excited by the opportunity to play alongside some of her international rivals.

“It will certainly be nice to play alongside Megan Schutt rather than having to face her hooping in-swingers,” she said.

“Joining a new team is always exciting and I can't wait to get stuck in. I just hope to score as many runs as I can, contribute to the group and ensure we make finals.”

The Strikers have constructed a formidable roster for the upcoming season. Alongside Australia spearhead Megan Schutt, New Zealanders Suzie Bates and Sophie Devine are back in blue.

Not to mention the up-and-coming Tahlia McGrath who recently captained a Cricket Australia XI against Sri Lanka – the Strikers look well placed to cause a stir in WBBL|05.

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Good things keep happening in Hobart, with the Hurricanes announcing the signings of England batter Fran Wilson alongside South Africa allrounder Chloe Tryon for the fifth edition of the WBBL which commences on October 18.

Wilson – who recently attracted international attention for reeling in a superb catch for her country – debuted for England in 2010 and has represented them on 42 occasions.

"It's really exciting to have signed for the Hurricanes and to be playing a whole season in the WBBL," Wilson said.

"I want to make an impact in the competition and contribute to a successful Hurricanes season, I can't wait to be apart of the team."

"It will be great to join up again with Salliann Briggs, who has had a big impact on my career so far in England."

Chloe Tyron has been a mainstay in the South Africa setup since making her debut as 20-year-old in 2011, averaging over 20 with the bat to go with 19 wickets at an economy rate of 6.81 with her left-arm medium-fast bowling.

"I've heard a lot of great things about the WBBL and the group the Hurricanes have got this season, I'm really looking forward to testing myself in the high quality competition," said Tryon.

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Meanwhile, the Brisbane Heat have their squad locked and loaded as they prepare to defend their WBBL title.

New Zealand allrounder Maddy Green is set to spend her maiden WBBL season in teal, joining White Ferns teammate Amelia Kerr at the Heat for the upcoming season.

Green, currently the vice-captain of the Kiwis, is a solid allrounder who made her T20I debut as a 19-year-old.

Now 26 years old with plenty of international experience under her belt, Green will be a versatile asset for the Heat with her strong batting ability and right-arm off-spin, says Heat coach Ashley Noffke. 

“She’s a very versatile cricketer who can fill several roles for us and her international experience will complement our squad nicely,” explained Noffke.

“Maddy has been vice-captain of the White Ferns and captained teams domestically, and her leadership and commitment to the teams she has been a part of were highlighted to us when we began the recruiting process.”

The landmark standalone WBBL season kicks off under lights at North Sydney Oval on October 18. Tickets are available at bigbash.com.au/tickets.