The Women’s Big Bash League (WBBL) draft is set to take place on September 1, and teams are eagerly preparing to bolster their squads. Here’s a comprehensive look at the pre-draft signings, retention options, and potential targets for each club:
Adelaide Strikers:
* Pre-draft signing: Smriti Mandhana
* Retention rights: Georgia Adams, Laura Wolvaardt
* Draft picks: 6, 14, 22, 27
The Strikers have secured the services of Indian superstar Smriti Mandhana and are expected to retain Laura Wolvaardt. They may seek a middle-order allrounder to complement their strong batting lineup.
Brisbane Heat:
* Pre-draft signing: Nadine de Klerk
* Retention rights: Bess Heath
* Draft picks: 7, 15, 18, 31
With several key departures, the Heat will prioritize replacing Amelia Kerr’s all-round abilities. They may also target a top-order batter to support Grace Harris and Georgia Redmayne.
Hobart Hurricanes:
* Pre-draft signing: Lizelle Lee
* Retention rights: Shabnim Ismail, Bryony Smith
* Draft picks: 1, 9, 24, 25
The Hurricanes have secured Lizelle Lee and will use their top pick to acquire a top-four batter. They may also seek an additional pace bowler to strengthen their attack.
Melbourne Renegades:
* Pre-draft signing: Hayley Matthews
* Retention rights: Eve Jones, Harmanpreet Kaur
* Draft picks: 3, 11, 19, 30
The Renegades have made significant domestic signings but may still target a top-order batter and an allrounder to complement their strong bowling unit.
Melbourne Stars:
* Pre-draft signing: Marizanne Kapp
* Retention rights: Alice Capsey, Sophia Dunkley
* Draft picks: 4, 12, 21, 28
The Stars have a strong pace-bowling unit but may seek a high-quality frontline spinner. They may also target another top-order batter to support Meg Lanning.
Perth Scorchers:
* Pre-draft signing: Sophie Devine
* Retention rights: Amy Jones, Lauren Winfield-Hill, Danni Wyatt
* Draft picks: 8, 16, 17, 32
The Scorchers may opt for a similar batting-heavy approach as last year, having secured Sophie Devine. They may also consider strengthening their bowling department.
Sydney Sixers:
* Pre-draft signing: Amelia Kerr
* Retention rights: Suzie Bates, Sophie Ecclestone, Jess Kerr, Chloe Tryon, Linsey Smith
* Draft picks: 2, 10, 23, 26
The Sixers have added Amelia Kerr’s all-round abilities and may seek another spinner. They may also target a top-order batter to supplement Alyssa Healy and Ellyse Perry.
Sydney Thunder:
* Pre-draft signing: Chamari Athapaththu
* Retention rights: Heather Knight
* Draft picks: 5, 13, 20, 29
The Thunder have secured Heather Knight but may seek another frontline bowling option. They may also target a middle-order hitter to complement Taneale Peschel.
