A breakout WBBL campaign has seen seamer Belinda Vakarewa crowned Hurricanes player of year

Thrust into the two most important roles with ball — opening and closing out an innings — Belinda Vakarewa took her game to new levels in 2019-20.

Belinda Vakarewa tries to stop the ball during the Women's Big Bash League match between against Adelaide at Blundstone Arena (Photo by Steve Bell/Getty Images)

THE desire for greater opportunities has delivered Belinda Vakarewa the ultimate reward by being crowned the Hobart Hurricanes WBBL player of the summer.

Vakarewa moved from NSW to Tasmania for the 2019-20 season, joining the Tigers and Hurricanes after struggling to cement a spot in the Breakers international-strength outfit.

However it was a leading role during the Big Bash which more than justified the switch.

Having never been handed a defined role in the T20 arena, the 22-year-old was entrusted not only with the new ball, but also the task of closing out the bowling innings.

Belinda Vakarewa lets fly (AAP Image/Julian Smith)

Vakarewa finished the WBBL as the third leading wicket taker (20 at an average of 15.8 and economy of 6.1), earned selection in the team of the tournament and was also picked for Australia A for a three match series against India A in December.

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While the fact her mum moved to Launceston helped the decision to leave Sydney, Vakarewa said it was a pre-season chat with Tigers and Hurricanes coach Salliann Briggs which cemented it.

“My mum moved down, that was a massive part but also I guess I spoke to Sal … the way she explained the program and what they wanted from me it was all really clear.

“The program sounded awesome and they were offering opportunity, which is something I haven’t had much of in the past.

“Being in certain teams I never really knew what role I needed to play whereas when I came down here and started playing it was very clear what role they wanted me to play.

“I definitely bowled more overs, I only used to bowl two or three overs a match … they helped me build my tactical game a lot, coming in at the back end, I never used to be a back end bowler and I have learnt a lot with that.

“I have come out of this season with a lot more knowledge about my game and what I can do and the pressure that comes with it.”

Vakarewa edged out Australian World Cup winning all-rounder Nicola Carey, England captain Heather Knight and Corinne Hall for the honours.

Now she has her sights set on forming a lethal new ball combination with speedster Tayla Vlaeminck to help lift the Hurricanes back into the finals.

“To be able to open with someone like that is a dream because she does all the scary stuff at the other end and I guess I got lucky at the other by picking up some wickets with her pressure bowling.

“She is pure talent and rocket pace.”