Several big named Australians are out of contract. Who could be of interest when the contract window opens?
In the Victorian capital one name available is Sophie Molineux. The twenty-two year old has been with the Melbourne Renegades since the beginning of the WBBL. She was also the only all-rounder in last year's squad, a squad that counted three non-Kiwi international batters.
Molineux, who was part of the T-20 World Cup Australian winning national team last March, is one of the youngsters with the brightest futures in cricket. With her left-arm spin-bowling all rounder capabilities she comes with a unique set of skills which Melbourne will arguably want to keep.
The Hobart Hurricanes currently have one big name up for grabs in Belinda Vakarewa. The pace bowler, who started her career with the Sydney Thunder, made the move to Tasmania last year.
The move paid off with Vakarewa taking 20 wickets at an average of 15.80, the third highest in the WBBL|05, and resulted in her winning the Hurricanes player of the season. With three overseas all-rounder marquee players most likely missing next season, Hobart may find it important to retain her services.
Perhaps the team with the most to gain or most to loose is the Brisbane Heat. While the only international players the team had were from New Zealand, they have lost the services of their captain Kirby Short who announced her retirement after WBBL|05.
The back-to-back WBBL champions have two out of contract marquee Australian stars as well as two talented locals they could loose. Should they wish to aim for a third consecutive WBBL championship keeping them will be essential.
Beth Mooney will arguably be their biggest target. The twenty-five year old national team member hit 743 runs last season, including nine half-centuries for an average of 74.30. This placed her second only to Kiwi Sophie Devine from the Adelaide Strikers in runs. She also hit 56 from 45 in the WBBL final, winning Player of the Final for the second consecutive season.
A proud Queenslander, she has expressed that she does not see herself at playing for any team other than the Brisbane franchise. However, she has also conceded that the opportunities available within the WBBL make moving a possibility.
As the team's wicketkeeper and most consistent batsmen, it is within the Heat's interest to lock down Moody's services.
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