Wong boards Cane Train to bring express service

The Hobart Hurricanes have completed their trio of international signings for Weber WBBL|08 by securing rising English fast bowler Issy Wong.

The 20-year-old played with the Sydney Thunder last season but has joined Hobart this year and will link up with experienced South African pair Mignon du Preez and Lizelle Lee.

The signing of Wong, a short-haired firebrand that is one of the most exciting of a new generation of English talent, offsets the loss of Tayla Vlaeminck, the Australian speedster having returned to the Melbourne Renegades.

Vlaeminck, who will miss this WBBL season as she continues her recovery from a stress fracture in her right foot, took 13 wickets with an impressive economy rate of 6.06 in 14 matches for the Hurricanes last summer.

Wong, in her first foray into domestic T20 leagues, took nine wickets in 13 matches for the Thunder in WBBL|07 and has become an improved bowler since.

"I can't wait to come back to Australia for the WBBL," Wong said.

"To be honest, it's been a bit of a whirlwind since I got the call up to join the Thunder last year, and I can't be more thankful for how that has helped me and my career.

"I had a great time at the Thunder last season, but I'm looking forward to joining the Hurricanes this year.

"We had a really great match against them at the end of last season, and they've got some more really experienced players who have come on board since then, so I can't wait to meet everyone and get stuck into learning as much as I can."

Having been part of the England squad in last summer's Ashes, Wong made her international debut against South Africa in all three formats across the winter, before impressing in England's Commonwealth Games campaign that saw them finish fourth.

A right-arm quick who can reach speeds over 110kph, Wong captured 3-36 in her ODI debut at Bristol to help England smash South Africa by 114 runs.

She has travelled with England squads over the past two years as part of her development and played in the Australia A-England A T20 and 50-over series in January-February this year.

More than handy with the bat, Wong showcased her ability when she smashed six sixes in a knock of 43 off just 17 balls for the Thunder against the Adelaide Strikers last summer.

Part of a new generation of England talent alongside the likes of left-armer Freya Kemp and batter Alice Capsey, both targets for WBBL appearances this summer, Wong is now playing alongside Ellyse Perry and Sophie Molineux at the Birmingham Phoenix in England's 100-ball competition.

The signing of Wong as Hobart's third international confirms that New Zealand's Rachel Priest and India's Richa Ghosh won't be returning in purple.

Hobart Hurricanes WBBL|08 squad (so far): Nicola Carey, Mignon Du Preez (South Africa), Maisy Gibson, Heather Graham, Ruth Johnston, Lizelle Lee (South Africa), Emma Manix-Geeves, Hayley Silver-Holmes, Amy Smith, Naomi Stalenberg, Molly Strano, Rachel Trenaman, Elyse Villani, Issy Wong (England). 

Tickets for Weber WBBL and KFC BBL games are on sale to existing members of the Australian Cricket Family now, and will be released to the general public on Thursday, August 18. Get yours at cricket.com.au/big-bash