Paul Walter, the all-rounder who played a pivotal role in Brisbane Heat’s BBL title triumph last season, is set to return to the competition after being nominated for next month’s draft. Walter, a left-arm seamer and hard-hitting batter, became a fan favorite for Heat, claiming 17 wickets and earning a spot in the team of the tournament.
Heat holds retention rights for Walter, giving them the option to bring him back if another team attempts to select him. Walter’s full availability, including the finals, makes him a valuable asset for Heat, who boast a diverse bowling attack featuring Michael Neser, Xavier Bartlett, Spencer Johnson, and spin twins Matt Kuhnemann and Mitchell Swepson.
“I think we’ve got the best bowling unit in the competition,” Walter said during last season’s campaign. “I feel like I complement the rest of the attack quite well, and we’ve been good at managing games.”
English cricketers dominate the list of nominees, but most have limited availability due to England’s Test series in New Zealand and limited-overs tour of India. However, players like Olly Stone, Dan Lawrence, Jordan Cox, and Joe Clarke are likely to attract interest. Legspinner Rehan Ahmed, who was initially drafted by Sydney Sixers last season but withdrew due to international commitments, has nominated again.
Pakistan allrounder Imad Wasim, who Melbourne Stars have retention rights for, has full availability, as does slingy fast bowler Zaman Khan, who played for Sydney Thunder last season.
In the WBBL, England players are also well-represented among the nominees. Dani Gibson, who played a crucial role in the Hundred final, impressed for Adelaide Strikers last season, striking at 147.43 and claiming 10 wickets. She has full availability, although England has a T20I series against South Africa that overlaps with the WBBL finals.
South Africa captain Laura Wolvaardt, who was initially nominated with full availability, now has availability of six to nine games. Strikers are the only club yet to name a pre-draft signing, but they are expected to fill that spot next week.
