The country’s highest-ranked T20 batter joins Perth Scorchers

Beth Mooney will be making a cross-country switch after the WBBL|04-05 Brisbane Heat player announced her signing with the Perth Scorchers.

The prolific batter, who currently has the second-most runs in WBBL history, 2,576, has signed a two-year contract with the Western Australian side. 

This is arguably a huge needed gain for the Scorchers, who lost the services of Meg Lanning after she signed with the Melbourne Stars last week.  In Mooney, they will find a great replacement who will be able to make up for the loss of their former captain.

The 26-year old finished last season with 743 runs, a strike rate of 125.08, and a batting average of 74.30.  She also set the record for most individual runs at any women's T20 World Cup last February-March when she hit 259 during the competition with an average of 64.30.

When speaking to www.perthscorchers.com.au Mooney stated:

“I’m really happy with my decision to join the Scorchers for the next few seasons. I have heard great things about the people and culture at the WACA and I love the way Perth has gone about their cricket over the years.

“The move to the West is a really exciting opportunity for me to work with Christina Matthews and Shelley, two very highly regarded women and leaders of our great game, and reunite with Nicole Bolton and Heather Graham who have both been part of the Australian set-up.

“I can’t wait to be a part of the team and continue to learn and evolve as a player. I know that they are building for success and I’m looking forward to being part of that and bringing my knowledge and experience to the side.”

Australian International among Melbourne Renegades signings

The Renegades have retained the services of Aussie all-rounder Sophie Molineux for another two seasons. Molineux has been with the Renegades since their WBBL inception, playing 53 WBBL games and winning the club's WBBL|04 player of the year in the process.

Molineux's WBBL|05 Renegades teammates Makinley Blows, Carly Leeson, and Courtney Neale have also signed new deals with the Melbourne side.  The club has also signed 16-year old Ella Hayward to her first contract and secured South African Lizelle Lee from cross-town rivals the Melbourne Stars.

When talking about the Victorian club swap, Lee stated to www.melbournerenegades.com.au:

“I’m thrilled to be heading back to the WBBL and joining a new team will provide some extra motivation,” Lee said.

“The Renegades have done well recently and hopefully I can make a positive impact. I’ve had the pleasure of playing against a lot of these players in the WBBL and internationally, but it’ll be nice to be on the same team this time.”

The Hobart Hurricanes sign one, renew two 

Kiwi wicketkeeper Rachel Priest will be joining the Hobart Hurricanes for WBBL|06.  The former international, who announced her retirement from the New Zealand squad last month, has spent the last three seasons with the Sydney Thunder.

Alongside Priest, the Hurricanes have announced the renewal of local Belinda Vakarewa and South African allrounder Chloe Tryon.  Vakarewa was the leading pace bowler in WBBL|05. Tryon on the other hand was able to score 248 runs from mid-order in last year's competition and had a competition-high strike-rate of 178.41.

When speaking of their South African player, head coach Salliann Briggs stated to www.hobarthurricanes.com.au: 

“Chloe is a genuine match winner and gives you the feeling that you are always in the game, she makes things happen.”

“I don’t think I’ve ever worked or seen anyone who can hit a ball like she does,” she said. “I’ve got a sneaky feeling she could surprise a few people with the ball in hand too.”