Top-ranked Ecclestone to don magenta in WBBL debut.

The Sydney Sixers will have an English flavour in Weber WBBL|08, with Sophie Ecclestone – the world’s top-ranked T20I bowler – joining forces with new coach and former England legend Charlotte Edwards.

It’s the first time Ecclestone has signed for a WBBL club, and she is the second English player to be travelling to Australia for WBBL|08, joining Danni Wyatt at the Brisbane Heat, with more expected to be named in the coming days.

The 23-year-old left-arm spinner is the first of the Sixers’ two international signings to be announced, with Australian-contracted stars Ellyse Perry, Alyssa Healy and Ashleigh Gardner occupying their remaining marquee slots.

Known for her pinpoint accuracy and economy, Ecclestone will provide a boost to the Sixers’ strong bowling stocks that also include fellow spinners Gardner, Erin Burns and Nicole Bolton as well as quicks Stella Campbell, Maitlan Brown, Lauren Cheatle and captain Perry.

Ecclestone’s signing is a boost for the Sixers as they look start a new era under coach Edwards and reverse the trend that has seen them miss finals for the past two years.

"In my opinion, we have recruited the best," Edwards said.

"She can bowl in all phases of the game; she has the ability to take wickets at crucial times, and she can minimise the run scoring at all times.

"I know the WBBL is a competition Sophie wants to play in, and the fact she’s had lots of experience playing in Australia will hold her in good stead."

The 23-year-old Ecclestone debuted for England in 2016 as a 17-year-old and has since gone on to take 78 wickets from 59 T20Is. She was also the leading wicket-taker at the ODI Women’s World Cup in New Zealand earlier this year, with 21 scalps from nine matches.

Ecclestone says she is excited at the prospect to playing alongside Australian rivals Perry, Healy and Gardner.

"It’ll be nice not to have to bowl at them," Ecclestone said.

"It’s nice they’ll be on my team for once! I’m excited [by the thought of getting] to know them and to start training with them and play in the same team."

"I’ve seen a lot of it. A few of the England girls have been over in the past and they’ve loved the competition."

With 30 days until the WBBL|08 season gets underway in Mackay on October 13, the Sixers still have four players left to announce – including one international signing.

Sydney Sixers WBBL|08 squad so far: Jade Allen, Nicole Bolton, Maitlan Brown, Erin Burns, Stella Campbell, Lauren Cheatle, Sophie Ecclestone (Eng), Ash Gardner, Angie Genford, Alyssa Healy, Ellyse Perry (c)

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