Scorchers sign Grundy for WBBL

The Perth Scorchers have signed England international Rebecca Grundy for the first four matches of the Women's Big Bash League.

With English pace bowler Anya Shrubsole unavailable until the December 29 showdown against the Melbourne Renegades, Grundy has been signed on a short-term deal.

Grundy said WBBL|02 represented an exciting opportunity.

“It was a bit of a shock to be honest, but I am absolutely thrilled with the chance to train and play with the Scorchers,” the 26-year-old told the Perth Scorchers website.

“I’ve known (Scorchers coach) Lisa (Keightley) for a while now, she actually identified me in England and put me forward for the academy.

“To be a part of the WBBL is very exciting, the competition is leading the way in women’s cricket so to be involved in that is amazing.”

Grundy, a left-arm spinner, has played seven ODIs and 12 T20s for England, capturing a total of 20 wickets.

She has represented England in the past two ICC World Twenty20 tournaments.

“We have a few good spinners in the team now, and her experience will be extremely valuable to the team,” Keightley said of Grundy.

“Rebecca is very competitive and thrives off the contest and T20 cricket is a great format for that.”

The Scorchers also signed 17-year-old batter Rebecca West on a rookie contract following her standout performances at the under-18 national championships.

The team boasts and enviable batting line-up, headlined by Australia’s Nicole Bolton and Elyse Villani and New Zealand skipper Suzie Bates

Perth open their WBBL season this weekend with a double-header against the Hobart Hurricanes on Saturday and Sunday in Sydney.

Scorchers squad: Megan Banting, Suzie Bates (OS), Emma Biss, Nicole Bolton, Katherine Brunt (England) Piepa Cleary, Heather Graham, Mathilda Carmichael, Lauren Ebsary, Emily Smith, Katie Hartshorn, Emma King, Chloe Piparo, Anya Shrubsole (England), Rebecca Grundy (England), Elyse Villani, Rebecca West

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