Waikato Times

Phillip Rollo

A record eight Kiwis will feature in the 2017-18 Women’s Big Bash League. reports.

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Suzie Bates Adelaide Strikers

Having transferre­d from Perth Scorchers, where she made 310 runs and took 13 wickets last season, much will be expected of the White Ferns captain Bates, who has played 91 T20 internatio­nals for New Zealand. Adelaide coach Andrea McCauley described the 30-year-old all-rounder as ‘‘one of the best captains going around’’ and revealed that Bates was specifical­ly targeted to lead the Strikers as they look to improve on their disappoint­ing last place finish during the previous campaign.

Sophie Devine Adelaide Strikers

Joining Bates in Adelaide is 28-yearold

White Ferns all-rounder Sophie Devine, who is in her third season with the Strikers. Devine was a standout performer in her nine matches last season, making 276 at

38.57 and boasting the best strike rate of any player who fronted up for more than three innings with 135. She was the only player in the competitio­n to hit a century last season, belting 103 from 48 against Hobart Hurricanes.

Amy Satterthwa­ite Melbourne Renegades

Satterthwa­ite has been named captain by coach Duncan Harrison, having moved across from Hurricanes on a three-year contract. Harrison said Sattherthw­aite ‘‘has had an incredible two years internatio­nally and she’s been really good with Hobart Hurricanes, and we’re really excited with what she can bring.’’ Satterthwa­ite scored 323 at

Lea Tahuhu Melbourne Renegades

One of just seven remaining players from last year’s Renegades squad, the 27-year-old right-arm medium pace bowler, who has played 31 T20s for New Zealand, will be looking to step up in her second season in the WBBL. Tahuhu took nine wickets last season, with best figures of 2-25.

Hayley Jensen Melbourne Renegades

The 25-year-old is a new addition to the Renegades, having moved from crosstown rivals Melbourne Stars. The right-arm medium pace bowler has taken seven wickets in nine T20 internatio­nals for New Zealand and

Sara McGlashan Sydney Sixers

Experience­d wicket keeper McGlashan will be hoping for more of the same in the 2017-18 season after the Sixers finished top of the table and beat the Scorchers by seven runs the final. The 35-year-old veteran has played 76 T20s for New Zealand, with a high score of 84 and an average of 18.18. During last year’s WBBL McGlashan scored 343 at 24.50, making her the highest scoring Kiwi.

Rachel Priest Sydney Thunder

The 32-year-old wicket keeper has moved to the Thunder after two seasons with the Renegades. Priest scored 512 runs for the Renegades while captaining the side, and also effected 22 dismissals.

 ?? GETTY IMAGES ?? Suzie Bates will lead Adelaide Strikers during the 2017-18 Women’s Big Bash League.
GETTY IMAGES Suzie Bates will lead Adelaide Strikers during the 2017-18 Women’s Big Bash League.

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