NZ’s “Smash sisters” Suzie Bates and Sophie Devine re-sign with the Adelaide Strikers for the historic first stand-alone Women’s Big Bash starting in October
As women’s cricket prepares for its next big step — the Women’s Big Bash becoming a stand-alone tournament in October — the Adelaide Strikers secure the signatures of two important players.
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Two of the world’s best cricketers have re-signed with the Adelaide Strikers in a show of confidence in the new era of the Women’s Big Bash League that begins in October.
New Zealand cricketers Suzie Bates — the ICC’s No. 1 ranked T20 international batter — and Sophie Devine — the world’s No. 2 ranked T20 all-rounder — will return in the electric blue colours for their fifth seasons in the WBBL.
Dubbed the “Smash Sisters” for their entertaining, boundary-riddled opening partnerships last summer, the Kiwi pair are key players for the Strikers and their signatures are pivotal as Adelaide looks to improve on its previous WBBL campaign, which saw the side miss finals.
Strikers new incoming coach Luke Williams praised the on- and off-field leadership of the Kiwis as important for the team’s overall success.
“We are absolutely delighted that they have recommitted to the Strikers,” he said.
“Both are fantastic cricketers and leaders and to have them continue is really exciting. They both bring exceptional personality, talent and leadership to our young group and we can’t wait to see them on the field again.
“It’s a real treat for the fans too. We know the fans have really embraced both girls here and how much they enjoy watching them play.
“We really feel like we’re set for a big season ahead.”
Bates — the current Strikers captain — has penned a two-year extension with the team which will see her play through to the end of WBBL06.
A clever batter and reliable fielder, Bates — a former NZ captain — finished inside the top five tournament runscorers last season with her final tally of 421 runs. Since joining the Strikers in 2017, she has taken 19 catches.
Despite whispers that Devine might leave the Strikers and sign with Perth, she has instead recommitted on a one-year deal. Devine was a standout for the Strikers in WBBL04, winning the team’s MVP award, after finishing the summer with 556 runs.
Last season she also became the first player — female or male — to hit 1000 Big Bash runs for the Strikers and is the club’s all-time runscorer with 1405 from her 50 matches.
The powerhouse opening batter also thumped the three highest scores by a Striker last summer with totals of 99 not out, 95 and 89, while also claiming 14 wickets, including the first five-wicket haul for a female Striker. Williams praised the 29-year-old’s consistency as outstanding, particularly in her role at the top order of the batting.
But Devine will also be remembered as the instigator of last season’s heartwarming “headband challenge”, in which players donned their team headbands to raise money for charity.
The Adelaide Strikers begin their WBBL campaign on Saturday, October 19 at Karen Rolton Oval in Adelaide.
It will be the first time the WBBL has run as a stand-alone event, separate from the men’s Big Bash League, which will continue to run over the summer months.