Australian fast bowler Megan Schutt vows to lead from the front as Scorpions appoint new skipper

AUSTRALIAN quick Megan Schutt is the new captain of the South Australian Scorpions cricket team.

New South Australian Scorpions captain Megan Schutt at Adelaide Oval. Picture: Dylan Coker

AUSTRALIAN quick Megan Schutt is the new captain of the Scorpions.

The 25-year-old fast bowler has replaced wicketkeeper Tegan McPharlin, who has stepped down from the main leadership role of South Australia’s women’s cricket team to focus more on her game.

McPharlin has been retained in the leadership group as vice-captain.

Schutt, 25, is SA’s highest profile women's cricketer, having played three Tests, 46 one-day and 35 Twenty20 matches for Australia.

She has been a Scorpion for nine years, breaking into the team as a 16-year-old, and described the captaincy as “an absolute honour’’ and a challenge she hopes will help her take her game to an even higher level.

“I’m really passionate about playing for South Australia, I love the red and wouldn’t want to play for anyone else,’’ said Schutt, who was the Adelaide Strikers’ inaugural WBBL signing.

“I never dreamt of captaining my state so it’s something I’m incredibly proud of and can’t wait to get stuck into.

“We’ve got a good group of girls here and we're hoping to achieve big things next season.’’

The Scorpions just missed the final last season, finishing third, and Schutt believes they can go further in 2018-19, despite losing key players, New Zealander Sophie Devine, who is undecided about her future, and Ashleigh Gardner (NSW Breakers).

Asked what type of captain she would be, Schutt, from the Sturt club, replied: “firm but fair’’.

“I like to get things done and I’m pretty blunt sometimes about how I want to do it but at the same time I like to think I’m very fair,’’ she said.

“I won’t be playing favourites but I like to think that everything I do and the decisions I make will be to the benefit of the team.

Megan Schutt of Australia bowls during the second One Day International match between Australia and England at Coffs Harbour. Picture: AAP

“I’m a pretty vocal cricketer but it’s in a positive manner. I want our girls to be happy because the biggest key to my success at Australian level has been learning to enjoy the game, my training and everything that comes with representing Australia.

“I want these girls to do the same thing at State level.’’

While Schutt is the Scorpions new skipper, former Redback and triple Bradman Medallist Luke Williams has been appointed assistant coach of the team.

He replaces former SA and Australian all-rounder Shelley Nitschke, who has been named assistant coach of the Australian women’s team.

Williams, who had been SACA’s male talent co-ordinator which included coaching the under-15 and under-17 teams, will take on the role of female high performance coach and talent co-ordinator.

Highly-respected in cricket circles, Williams also will continue in his role as assistant coach with the WBBL Strikers.

“I’m really excited to be working in the women’s game and helping to produce athletes locally who can represent the Scorpions and Strikers and go on to play for Australia,’’ he said.

The Scorpions will begin their WNCL campaign in September.